Caspar Sonnet (lap-steel dobro) Kozue Matsumoto (koto) is an acoustic experimental, improvisational duo based in Los Angeles, California. Both artists employ numerous extended techniques exploring an array of interesting sounds and textures using both modern & early eastern/western folk instruments. Their collaborations are fiercely intensive, concentrated duals where both players utilize prepared strategies composed in set time blocks. Each player is then assigned a specific set of tools to manipulate various parts of the instrument and are assigned set tunings, microtonal or otherwise. Their use of instrumental augmentation, movement and presence are captivating to witness and mesmerizing to hear. Matsumoto/Sonnet are anticipating a record release entitled “Versus” on Sounds et all late August 2018.

Improvisation Summit of Portland 2018