Strange Strings’ is the 1966 album by Sun Ra and his Astro Infinity Arkestra. An album of stringed instruments; Ukuleles, Mandolins, Kotos, Koras, Chinese Lutes and ‘Moon Guitars’ were handed out to his reed and horn players in the belief that ‘strings could touch people in a special way, different from other instruments.’ The point was that the Arkestra didn’t know how to play them – Sun Ra called it ‘a study in ignorance.’
J Dove, J Lee, B B Wang: Ever expanding, musically and in membership, loosely speaking, a contemporary hash of Martin Denny’s exotica moods. Tonight they will be using a ‘Pacific lap guitar’ heavily processed through various hand made electronics. Virtuoso percussionist Bei Bei Wang will be providing tiki percussion rhythms, from water and roto toms. Jack Dove will be using various instrumental accompaniments including clarinet.
Using ancient Chinese percussions and various esoteric string instruments, expect polyrhythmic acoustic improvisations, as well as set piece scores written by Lu Shui.
All the way from Beijing, Wang Hua will be playing the Chinese traditional instrument, the Erhu and Stefan Ernest will perform Irish ballads/odd time signatures/beautiful guitar finger style, using Arabic scales.
Hosted by NTS radio DJ Charlie Bones, who will provide vinyl musical interludes.
Doors 7:30 | music 8pm | entry £5 donation