venue: scene of Art_Inkubator in Fabryka Sztuki, Tymienieckiego 3, Lodz

"works for percussion and electro-acoustic devices" is a second album of our duo formerly known as Hob-beats Percussion Duo. In large part it is devoted to the work of the German avantgarde artist Felix Kubin. We started our cooperation with the composer in 2014. Since that time we have constantly drawn inspiration from electronic music, especially the works of Kubin.

Compositions Renaissance Gameboy #1 and #2 (2011) were originally written for violin, saxophone, cello, piano, drums and tape. The new versions transport Kubin’s compositions into the world of extended percussion set, with marimba and vibraphone placed in the center. Additionally, several parts were recorded on tape. Similar transcription was applied to the last piece - Waltz Me, Trust Me (2011) with one difference – the original Fokker mechanical organ part was transcribed for xylophone accompanied by marimba and sampler. The above pieces are the foundation for the album, which also includes two more arrangements. In Black Page #1 by Frank Zappa we used closely amplified guiro, reco-reco, temple blocks, as well as everyday life objects: cups, computer parts. The pulse generated by dripping water and unusual percussive sets are a new, intimate interpretation of Zappa’s dynamic music. In Vermont Counterpoint (1982) by Steve Reich we replaced orchestra including flutes with vibraphone, glockenspiel, marimba and dulcimer. Minimal music has always had a special place in our hearts. By including Reich’s composition on this record, we refer to our musical roots. Repetitiveness can also be heard in a piece entitled Smells Like Victory (2016) commissioned to Thymme Jones, the founder of a band called Cheer Accident. We are fascinated with the post rock idiom present in Jones’ music. The composition is written for marimba, vibraphone, two Chinese gongs, electronics and includes choreography. Modular #1 (2016) completes the album. I based it on structure generated by a modular synthesizer. Ongoing permeation of electronic and acoustic sounds with dynamic narrative creates a fertile ground for our expression as percussionists and at the same time gives us great pleasure as players.

The album Utwory na perkusję... is a next step in exploring the world of percussive instruments. We recorded it mainly out of urge to present our experience as musicians of the twenty first century surrounded by contemporary art.