Oh boy! I can smell that crisp snow smell in the air! Don't let it deter you, though, we are going to have a rip-roaring good time tomorrow night playing music by all of the composers you met this week including <----- this guy! You can probably say it with me at this point, but the show is with the always lovely Martha Cargo on Saturday, January 23rd at Spectrum (121 Ludlow St.) @ 7 PM!!
Tell us a bit about your piece.
I've always loved the sound of melodies overlapping or swirling around within small spaces. Sometimes it plays a trick on your ear, making the two instrumental parts sound as a unified whole, or as an imaginary instrument if you were to listen with your eyes closed. In my piece, I wanted to explore this type of musical interaction and find different ways of expressing these tightly interwoven textures throughout the three movements and across the instruments.
Did you have any particularly invigorating or difficult times writing your piece for andPlay?
Writing for duo is hard! Or at least I think it is. But it really made me focus on things I wouldn't normally do in a piece for larger ensemble where there are more voices to generate fuller harmonies. I spent a lot of time on the counterpoint between the parts and found it really invigorating (in a nerdy composer way) to trace the movement of each part and how they crossed paths.
What music has most recently inspired you (to dance, sing, be a better person, etc.)?
Hmmmm I'd say Naked City - John Zorn and The Yellow Shark - Frank Zappa. I've been really inspired by the spontaneity of their music and have been incorporating some of that vibe into my own stuff.
You are stranded on a desert island. What snack do you bring?
Graham crackers. In a zip lock.
Lastly, do you have a fun fact that you have learned recently?
Mantis shrimp! They're incredible. Look 'em up.
If you want to know more about Paul and his music check out his WEBSITE!