Strata: for double bass and fixed medium

Strata is a collaborative work that integrates my grain-scale approach, developed in previous works, with recordings of improvised performances. The source materials for the work were Double Bass solos, performed by George Lyle. The work differs from my previous pieces that incorporate acoustic instrumental sound, by incorporating whole motifs and even phrases from the source recordings. By incorporating larger units of improvised performance the performer’s individual approach to the instrument can be heard within the piece. In combining these improvised fragments with some of my own granular processes, the work attempts to blur causal origins, and to extend the continuum between acoustic and electro-acoustic sound.

Strata is dedicated to George Lyle, who sadly passed away in March 2016. More information about him can be found at: https://www.thewire.co.uk/news/41201/george-lyle-has-died-stewart-smith-remembers