HEARding Cats Collective is pleased to announce Analog Revenge II, an evening of performance on the analogue synthesizer. It is a rare chance to see a presentation of advanced synthesis technique by three artists who have spent much of their lives mastering the voltage-controlled, patch programable synthesizer.
The event takes the form of an environmental sound installation, utilizing a large space with performers intentionally placed apart to provide a degree of sonic separation from one another. This creates an environment in which the entire room is filled with sound, yet many listening variations can be achieved by moving throughout the room. Sometimes moving a distance as small as a few steps – or even a head turn - can drastically change ones listening experience.
Rich O'donnell, Mike Murphy, and Kevin Harris represent three generations of obsession with and mastery of the analogue synthesizer. All seasoned improvisors, they will perform solo and in group configurations to create the event. Their approaches to synthesis are stylistically diverse, a fact no doubt related to the high degree of programability inherent to the voltage-controlled synthesizer.
Rich O'donnell is the director of the Washington University electronic music studio. He now performs analogue synthesis on a combination of a modern Eurorack system and sections from THROD (a massive modular synthesizer he built in the 1970s, which now lives at the Washington University studio).
Mike Murphy performs under the moniker, “Dr Mabuse” and is a prolific designer of analogue and digital synthesizers. His performance instruments are a vast and ever expanding collection of his handmade designs, customized for his needs. He continues to push the boundaries of what analogue electronics are capable of and has been playing modular synthesizers for over 45 years.
Kevin Harris began playing modular synthesizer in 2002 with a synthesizers.com system. Since then, the modular synthesizer has been his main musical focus. He now performs on a eurorack system and has a particular interest in advanced digital signal processing under voltage control.
The event takes place at Tietjens Hall at Washington University, 6500 Forsyth Blvd., on Sunday, February 18, 7:30 pm. Admission is free.
