Sonnet | Matsumoto Duo
NEW MUSIC RELEASE!
NEW MUSIC RELEASE FROM SOUNDS ET AL ON APRIL 19, 2019!
Both artists employ numerous extended techniques exploring an array of sounds and textures heralding modern and early eastern and western folk traditions. The collaborations are fiercely intensive, concentrated duets where both players utilize prepared techniques 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.
Matsumoto/Sonnet is an experimental, improvisational duo based in Los Angeles, California. Both artists employ numerous extended techniques conjuring an array of unique sounds and textures invoking early eastern and western folk traditions/timbres. Their collaborations are fiercely intensive, highly concentrative games where both players utilize prepared techniques 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. Matsumoto/Sonnet are anticipating a record release late August 2018.
Caspar Sonnet (b. 1976 Los Angeles, California) is a composer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in Portland, Oregon. Sonnet has been composing and performing music since 1996. Sonnet’s multi-instrumentalist abilities include: lap steel dobro, harmonica & percussion. Native American mythology, pre-war blues, world music and minimalist composition are a few of his sources of inspiration. He has worked with Jordan Dykstra, Jonathan Siela , and Jona Bechtolt in recording, performing and improvising of music. He has also contributed his talents to experimental electronic collective Rob Walmart and held residencies with MOCA & Redcat.
Kozue Matsumoto: Born and raised in Tohoku area in Japan and having lived in Tokyo and Vancouver, Canada as well, Kozue now lives in the Los Angeles area. She has played koto since she was three years old under Ikuta-ryu Miyagi-kai and holds a semi-master title. She has also played shamisen and shinobue since she was small. Kozue has performed in various occasions both in Japan and North America. Other than performances and inter-disciplinary collaborations with various artists, she has a strong interest in exploring the potential of Japanese traditional music and performing arts beyond their conventional contexts. She is currently working on integrating the koto sounds and computer technology to expand the koto sounds.
