Great Howl At Town Haul

Holy shit, I wish I could listen to this on CCRMA’s gigantic 3D speaker system. The dense atmosphere of the drones produced by these avant-garde maestros demands to be heard not just on surround sound but from above and below as well. Producer and trombonist Stuart Dempster recalls exclaiming during his performance, “I am hearing spherically.” The performance was actually designed as an audiospatial experience. Dempster drones on guttural wind instruments such as conch shell, didgeridoo, (contrabass) trombone, and duck calls. The other two are accordion legend Pauline Oliveros and the late multi-talented David Gamper. Every member of this trio is also credited with “toys, little sounds,” and Sing-a-Mah-Jigs.

1. (14:54) Haunting, didgeridoo- dominated drone.
2. (12:38) Frenetic atonal jumble, awkwardly echoing and chirping.
3. (19:02)** PLAY THIS! Incredible, shimmering crescendos of looping wind/piano/flute/duck call/toy instruments. Charming, serene, indescribably nostalgic. May induce synesthesia if you turn off the lights.
4. (15:53) subdued, cavernous drone; swirling, forgotten chaos.