Hyperesthesia (IV)

Hyperesthesia (IV) is both the name of the work, and the ensemble—the two parts inseparable. The musical material is grounded in my approach to solo contrabass guitar (semi-hollow six string bass guitar), with the ensemble contributing their diverse approaches to extended instrumental practice and improvisation, presented in an immersive quadraphonic listening environment.

The ensemble creates long-form works that evolves slowly over time, in order to elicit a physical change in the listeners and performers (such as Hyperesthesia, or increased sensory activity). The music shares concepts influenced by ritual music traditions, such as Stambeli of Tunisia, as well as the history of minimalism in improvised performance.

The ensemble features improvising percussionist Duré Dara who has had a profound impact on the Australian improvising scene for more than four decades; Callum G’Froerer on double-bell trumpet and electronics; Thomas Stewart-Toner on prepared nylon and electric guitars; and Joseph Franklin on prepared contrabass guitar, concepts and composition.