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NUIC – improvising music ensemble

Hatton Gallery, Newcastle University
Mondays 12 noon – 1 pm
February 3rd,10th, 17th, 24th, Mar 10th & 24th (2003)

 
NUIC
All performers have received specialist training in the discipline of free improvisation
The combination of instruments and number of performers varies from performance to performance
Non-amplified acoustic instruments, electric guitars and occasionally homemade instruments are used
 
Music
The improvisations may be chaotic and loud but at times inaudible, they may sound familiar and referential but also alien, induce bliss and be physically abusive
Our music can be understood as wobbly explorations that pass through minimalism, abstract expressionism, and postmodern pastiche
Its heritage can be traced back to the 60s and 70s, and resides in the music-making activities of several UK art schools; American Experimental music; European avant-garde art music; and developments in jazz
Today, it is a recognised musical practice with specialist practitioners, record labels, literature, fans, magazines, etc.
It is sometimes described, often by lazy people, as ‘music for musicians’
 
Intent
Our approach does not treat this musical practice as a concert form
We think of it quite literally as ‘air conditioning’ and is allied to visual art in the sense that it can be attended to and/or perceptually discounted at will (music’s permeating qualities sometimes disrupt this)
‘Audiences’ are not obliged to specifically listen, nor are audiences invited in the usual sense: we are attracted to locations that have the potential to offer this musical experience to receptive individuals
Part of our approach is to ‘play’ the performance space: we are attracted to spaces that have interesting acoustic qualities and significant cultural resonance
We perform in a spirit that is explorative, interactional, appreciative and respectful of the location (although it may not be immediately obvious)
 
Contact
Further details: www.saltlick.org/nuic
This series of events forms part of the Connecting Principle initiative: www.ncl.ac.uk/connectingprinciple
 
 
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