M-KAT Ensemble-Studio Grand, Oakland CA; 9/4/17

After a sweltering three day heat wave in the Bay Area, it felt really nice to be driving into Oakland on Labor Day evening under temps merely in the 70's. People were out, too. Often when I pull up to Studio Grand for a gig, folks have already scattered from the Grand Lake District for other spots. Not so last night, true, thankfully also, at Studio Grand.
M-KAT Ensemble had a nice little group of people to play for. We were grateful for that. We started our set off with yet another graphic score, entitled Sandbar Music. Its concept was inspired by looking at sandbars in Maine in August. I was fascinated with the way the elements of sand, water, light, and shape all share the same space but do not necessarily interact in any obvious way. Instructions on the score prompted the theremin, winds, bass, and drums to play according to that type of parameter. It seemed as though we were able to develop a decent improvisation from it. After that one, we did three more short pieces, the last of which, featuring Kersti's flute, really seemed to take flight in a cool way. Also of note was the strange Industrial-like timbre achieved from Thomas's bass melding with Andrew's theremin. M-KAT seems to have some kind of almost junkyard feel at times. This is cool to me: I say that we pursue it! I was relatively happy with my playing, as it seemed like I was able to dig in and intuitively feel my way for most of the 38 minute set.
After M-KAT, Andrew Jamieson and Charles Peoples III did an incredibly cool duo of voice and piano, utilizing meditation techniques and audience participation to get to some very evocative and subtle spaces. Those guys are great, seek 'em out.
A fun night in which to decompress from the previous days' stifling heat!
M-KAT will play in SF later this month!
Many thanks as always to Oakland Freedom Jazz Society. Fernando rocks.

Below: M-KAT Ensemble sets up; drums

Above: The Sandbar Music graphic score, acrylic paint on paper