the second crosswicks
--SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, 2003-
Once again, the Crosswicks Community House was transformed. Improvements have been made.
The sound system was better. The lighting effects had been refined. The fog machine had been tamed.
And Earth's shadow was slowly covering the Moon on this crisp, clear night.
First performer: Don Slepian
Don Slepian's visit was a much-anticipated boost for the fledgling Cosmic Coffeehouse series. Just as the moon entered total eclipse outside, Don began his performance inside.
The set started quietly, slowly building in volume and intensity as Don demonstrated his seemingly-effortless mastery of his instrument.
Don coached a rich tapestry of acoustic, symphonic, and electronic tones from a single keyboard controller and sound module. Simultaneous melody, bass, and percussion sections were all performed live, to the amazement of all present.
Judging by the applause after each selection, the audience was very appreciative of Don's solo pieces, and pleasantly surprised by the wide range of stylistic influences and musical textures he explored. The willing audience was enthusiastically swept up into this eclectic sonic journey.
Anyone who held any previous opinions about lifeless "New Age" music came away with a new appreciation for this misunderstood genre. The sheer emotion and power of Don's compositions easily blew aside any doubts that may have lingered in the audience.
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Second performer: Electric Diamond
Without taking a break, Don was joined onstage by his longtime musical collaborator, Stuart Diamond, who plays an unusual electronic clarinet of sorts known as a Lyricon Wind Synthesizer. The two musicians then continued the show as Electric Diamond.
Stuart was gracious enough to explain the Lyricon's unique expressive qualities to the audience, and also talented enough to demonstrate the amazing diversity of tones that could be coaxed from it.
Stuart and Don continued to present an expanding musical realm, offering everything from classical to Native American to asian-influenced melodies. The varied combinations of cultures and history often morphed together into a single extended composition.
Even the long-form songs left the audience wanting just a little bit more, wishing that all of it-- the tension, the release, the drama, the quiet interludes-- would continue forever. But it was over all too soon. Those who were there came away with a special gift: a renewed appreciation for the power of music to transport and transform.
The second Cosmic Coffeehouse was over, and the Moon emerged once again from the shadow of the Earth.
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Click on the above to watch two short QuickTime video clips of Don and Stuart's performance.)
Learn more about Don Slepian at his official site.
Learn more about Electric Diamond at the official site.
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--Bonus pix (below) by Mike Hunter--
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Postlude
Special thanks for the wonderful live sound mixing by Van and Mike, by way of the amazing Stone Soup Band.
Thanks also to all of the volunteers who served the coffee and snacks, and to the audience. Your contributions help to support the Crosswicks Community Association and the upkeep of the Crosswicks Community House, and encourage us to keep the Cosmic Coffeehouse going and growing. We hope you'll join us here again next time!