James Blackshaw & ensemble

Event information

James Blackshaw premiers his new piece commissioned by Sprawl.

Initially inspired by the guitarists of the 60’s Takoma label to teach himself fingerpicking, James Blackshaw writes long-form pieces primarily for solo 12-string guitar and piano that are heavily influenced by minimalist composers and European classical music and which use drones, overtones and repeating patterns alongside a strong inclination for melody to create instrumental music that is both intelligent, hypnotic and emotionally charged.

Now Sprawl has invited James to explore his piano work and commissioned him to compose a piece for piano and small mixed ensemble, string, wind instruments, piano and tuned percussion.

Inspired by the works of Christopher Hobbs, Cornelius Cardew, William Burroughs and Brian Eno and Sprawl's Sonic Recycler Festival where James Blackshaw performed in 2009, this composition is made entirely from found, second-hand pre-existing sheet music, sourced from charity shops, the internet or specialist bookshops. Plunderphonics of a different kind! Imagine a glorious symphony of folk music, Jazz and classical pieces brought together by unique musical mind.

www.sprawl.org.uk