Episode 061 - feat. Nicka, Jean-Phellipe Feiss, Soweto String Quartet, Craig Halliday

Nicka - "The Fall of Greygorn"
Jean-Phillipe Feiss - "Berceuse pour Valentin"
Soweto String Quartet - "Vyfster"
Craig Halliday - "String Fever"

http://bowed.org/061/061.mp3

Hello everyone,

Nicka is a French Canadian electric violinist from Montreal. Her sound is bold and aggressive, utilizing 19th-century idioms in a comtemporary rock format. Her violin was crafted by her musical co-conspiritor, Montreal-based musician and instrument-maker Chris Cuber. Check out the pictures!

Cellist Jean-Phillipe Feiss appeared earlier on this program as a member of the Parisian string ensemble Sibiel (Episode 041). He returns here as a solo artist with a track from his forthcoming CD. His work tends to the avant garde, incorporating extended playing techniques as part of his total sound.

The Soweto String Quartet, as you might expect, is a string quartet from South Africa's well-known Soweto township. Their latest outing is quite an iconoclastic collection - entitled Soweto String Quartet Speel Afrikaanse Treffels - translated as "The SSQ Plays Afrikaans Music" (The Afrikaans being of course the ethnic Dutch of South Africa). Most interesting to me was that one of the ways the SSQ chose to celebrate Afrikaans culture was with a string quartet cover of a popular TV show theme song from the 1980's. A quick Google search of Vyfster brings hit after hit of people nostalgic for when that show was on TV -- and how hearing the theme song brings it all back. Here's a YouTube clip.

... and closing things off is violinist Craig Halliday. A veteran of Riverdance and Andrew Lloyd Weber's orchestra, Halliday puts on a flamboyant show on his Swarovski-crystal violin.

Bowed Radio is made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, presenting the archival CD Human Being Live at the Zodiac 1968. Information available at www.nepenthemusic.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 060 - feat. Edgar Gabriel's String Fusion, Willard Morris, Twisted Ph8, Mark Allender

Edgar Gabriel's String Fusion - "Blue 7"
Willard Morris - "Teen Town"
Twisted Ph8 - "Theft at Whitley Bay"
Mark Allender - "The Last Supper"

http://bowed.org/060/060.mp3

Hello everyone,

This show comes to you during the not-so-well reported-in-the-national-press Ohio Blizzard of March 2008. Thank god for the internet's all's I gots to say - else I'd be bored outta my mind!

I am also pleased to report that the show makes an appearance in the Spring 2008 issue of Fiddler Magazine - on newsstands now!

Leading the charge this time thru is jazz violinist Edgar Gabriel and his group String Fusion. This seven-piece group has a clear, clean sound that dips into different styles at every turn. They are currently supporting their cleverly-titled disc Not Radio Material from which this cut is taken.

Willard Morris returns to the show with a Bowed Radio exlclusive: a viola-and-bass arrangement of the Jaco Pastorius "Teen Town." His arrangement pretty well speaks for itself. Incredible.

Twisted Ph8 is the husband and wife team of Jason and Christine Labore, with Jason on a six-string Viper violin and Christine on vocals. Jason is also a touring member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and is a prolific performer and teacher in northern New Hampshire.

Closing out the show is a track from my own solo recording Battery - a cover of Larry Norman's "The Last Supper." Back in about 1996, I was asked to contribute a piece for a Larry Norman tribute album that never materialized. It is presented here as a memoriam; Larry Norman passed away on February 24, 2008.

Your experience of Bowed Radio is made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, featuring the works of Dwight Ashley, Tim Story, and Hans Joachim Roedelius. Online at www.nepenthemusic.com. .

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 059 - feat. String Planet, Bowfire, Cantes do Meu Cante, Charlie Daniels & Dolly Parton

String Planet - "Love for Three Oranges"
Bowfire - "Fiddler in the Hood"
Cantes do Meu Cante - "Meus Senhores"
Charlie Daniels & Dolly Parton - "Daddy's Old Fiddle"

http://bowed.org/059/059a.mp3

Hello everyone,

Starting off this show is the quirky viola and Chapman stick duo String Planet. This is what happens when two oft-neglected instruments get to take the lead. Self-described as Bela Fleck meets Prokofiev meets Esquivel (an apt description), these guys are a lot of fun.

Bowfire is a Canadian performing group featuring the work of roughly a dozen string artists of multiple genres playing together for a show that incorporates dance, theater, and performance art. They take their show on a tour of North America starting this April - check their website for local theater locations.

Cantes do Meu Cante is a Portuguese group featuring the cello of Susana Santos (also a member of Archybak who was featured earlier on this program). This group is a mix of traditional and classical musicians playing together for an eclectic mix of Portuguese music. Gorgeous vocal harmonies, multi-layered guitars, and a warm cello that just sings.

Closing out the show is probably the most famous country western fiddler alive today: Charlie Daniels. This cut is from his new disc entitled Deuces and features Dolly Parton on vocals (who also wrote the song).

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Bowed Radio is also made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, presenting the archival CD Human Being Live at the Zodiac 1968. Information available at www.nepenthemusic.com. .

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 058 - feat. Merietta Oviatt, Yeah Yeah Yemen, Ben Mason, George Sarah

Merietta Oviatt - "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
The Yeah Yeah Yemen - "Al Musafrin"
Ben Mason - "Lemming Song Black"
George Sarah - "Afterglow"

http://bowed.org/058/058.mp3

Hello everyone,

Merietta Oviatt is a violist based in Las Vegas, who brings her unique string arrangements of old-time gospel tunes. These arrangements are for multi-tracked viola - a boon or all you violists who are feeling underrepresented on this show!

The Yeah Yeah Yemen are a group based in London comprised of Yemeni and German musicians, self described as a "travelling circus," incorporating Arabic and European sounds into a musical creole of sorts. In late 2007, the group was playing in areas all across Yemen, collaborating with local high-profile musicians and composing one song for each area they visited. This piece is taken from a live on-air performance on Yemeni radio.

Ben Mason is a violinist and digital artist from North Carolina whose recordings are improvised live with electric violin and computer. His work is programmatic like many film soundtracks, though more engaged. Several of his works are available for free download from his website.

And finally, George Sarah is an electronic artist who performs his work on synthesizers and drum machies accompanied by live strings. His work has been featured on numerous television shows and films.

So long kids!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 057 - feat. Anna Stafford, Emily Price, The Upton Trio, Chapa

Anna Stafford - "Many Thoughts"
Emily Price - "Supper Time"
The Upton Trio - Eicha
Chapa - "A Look to the West"

http://bowed.org/057/057.mp3

Hello everyone,

A quick note: I still have not been able to generate sufficient financial support for the program to keep it going. If you enjoy the format of the show as it currently is, please consider offering your financial support.

Starting things off is violinist Anna Stafford, a rock violinist from southern California. She has the unique ability to create an aggressive rock sound using only strings. Those who have been catching the String Quartet Tribute series on Vitamin Records may also recognize her name - she spearheaded the String Quartet Tribute To INXS among many others.

Emily Price is a cellist out of New York who builds her sound with mutli-tracking and looping while experimenting with timbre and tone color to create something new and off-beat. A lot of fun. And you gotta love that scratchy old turntable sound!

The Upton Trio is a modern classical chamber ensemble based out South Carolina featuring Mary Lee Taylor on violin, and Billy Shepherd on piano. The Uptons have a new cellist named Dusan Vukajlovic, but this piece, from a performance in 2000, features cellist Jacqueline Taylor. This piece was composed by Miera Warshauer.

Chapa is a group led by guitarist Russ Chapa and drummer Deacon who create a rich stew of music incorporating traditions from around the world and a dense mixture of melodies. Dizzying in its arrangement yet majestic in its groove - these guys are unlike anyone you've heard before.

This show comes to you from the local Panera Bread

So long kids!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 056 - feat. Unwoman, Bella Rumore, Ethel, Shauna Burns

Unwoman - "Compliance"
Bella Rumore - "Whiter Shade of Pale"
Ethel - "Sambula"
Shauna Burns - "Chamber"

http://bowed.org/056/056.mp3

Hello everyone,

Sorry no show last week -- I'll try and make it up to youse.

Starting things off is neo-goth cellist Unwoman with that deep rich cello tone front and center. This cut is the lead track from her brand spanking new disc Blossoms. She was featured earlier on episode 033 of this program.

Bella Rumore is another repeat guest on this show. This Las Vegas string act does hip arco covers of popular classic rock tunes. When I heard this rendition of "Whiter Shade of Pale," I was hooked.

Ethel is one of my favorite groups. A relentlessly creative quartet - unafraid to be aggressive, unafraid to experiment. This is a cut from their latest disc Light. If you have a chance, be sure to check out one of their "Truckstop" performances (see their MySpace page for details)

Closing out the show is pianst Shauna Burns. Her latest disc is a brooding piece called The Moon and the Fire Circle that features the cello of John Minor on numerous tracks. I'm sure you'll enjoy their collaboration.

I am still looking for sponsors to help support this program - if your local music school or instrument shop is interested in supporting the show, please send along a copy of the rate sheet. Support is negotiable!

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 055 - feat. Lissa Schneckenburger, Terra Incognita, Pete Hawkes, Invincible Czars

Lissa Schneckenburger - "The River"
Terra Incognita - "Land of No Return"
Peter Hawkes - "The Moscow Gypsy"
Invincible Czars - "Trepak"

http://bowed.org/055/055.mp3

Hello everyone,

This show starts off with fiddler Lissa Schenckenburger, one of the premier up-and-coming young fiddle virtuosi on the string music scene. Taking elements of numerous folk traditions, she crafts a unique sound that shows off her individual taste and command of the instrument. This tune is from her 2005 eponymous disc. And for the record, that's LISSA, not LISA. Like "Melissa" without the "Me."

Making a triuphant return to the show is Siberian violin rock band Terra Incognita. Their aggressive , oppressive, and vaguely gothic sound - mixed with their sexy live presentation make for a exotic combination and an exciting listen. ... and their music will knock you senseless as well.

Australian Guitarist Pete Hawkes makes another appearance on this show, this time with a cut from his latest EP, Melancholy Cello. And that title goes a long way in describing the sound on this disc -- lilting, sensitive, and sad. With his arrangements, Hawkes is able to pull an emotion out of a hat and make it sing.

And running in the caboose of this program is Austin's Invincible Czars. This high energy, post punk, vaguely klezmer, vaguely ska collection of dramatic musicians performs a cache of original work, in addition to high-energy off-center versions of The Nutcracker and other works by Russian composers. This is the well-known Russian Dance from The Nutcracker.

I am still looking for sponsors to help support this program - if your local music school or instrument shop is interested in supporting the show, please send along a copy of the rate sheet. Support is negotiable!

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 054 - feat. Alex Mitchell, 2 Foot Yard, Mike Hovancsek (feat. Samuel Salsbury), Matt Brown

Alex Mitchell - "Living History"
2 Foot Yard - "Hold My Own"
Mike Hovancsek (feat. Samuel Salsbury) - "Civil Evening Twilight
Matt Brown - Grub Springs

http://www.bowed.org/054/054.mp3

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 053 - feat. Miss Von Trapp, Sebastien Savard, Mark Bergman, Linda Clark

Miss Von Trapp - "Of Vampire Strings"
Sebastien Savard - "Groove My Day"
Mark Bergman - "Dance of the Americas"
Linda Clark - "Tessa Jayne"

Hosted while watching the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

http://bowed.org/053/053.mp3

Hello everyone, I came back again...

I did all the tech work for this show while watching the Iowa Caucuses on C-SPAN - and my favorite horse came in first: Barack Obama. I hope you'll forgive me a little political glee.

Lizzie Fugeman (aka Miss Von Trapp) makes her second appearance on this program. Her sultry vampiric sound blends very well with the lush tone of a cello. This tune is from her latest collection entitled Morbid Ditties.

Sebastien Savard is a violinist with Quidam - a touring group with Cirque du Soleil. Though he is primarily a violinist, he is a multi-instrumentalist who puts together large arrangements that serve to feature the violin in a loose yet driving environment. His mission is to prove that the violin can groove. A popular YouTube video called "Violin Can Rock" showing Sebastien playing the violin behind his back.

Mark Bergman is a double bassist and composer and is a professor of music at George Mason University. This piece is one of his recent compositions - performed by the Mato Grosso Chamber Orchestra in Cuiaba, Brazil. It's a lot of fun.

Linda Clark is a violinist based in Salt Lake City - her playing was heard on Kevin Mathie's piece in Episode 047. This her own composition - named after her new granddaughter Tessa Jayne.

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Episode 052 - feat. Christian Howes, Martha Colby, David Strother, A Fashionable Disease

Christian Howes - "Song For My Daughter"
Martha Colby - "The Christmas Song"
David Strother - "A Love Enduring"
A Fashionable Disease - "Sex With Dead Soldiers"

http://bowed.org/052/052.mp3

Hello everyone,

I am officially open for business.

Anyone doing anything at all creatively with strings is aware of Christian Howes. His strings camp in Columbus is known the world over and is attended by many of the biggest names in string music. His latest disc Song For My Daughter is available from his website. This cut is the title track to that disc.

Martha Colby was one of the first artists on this show. She returns here with a version of "The Christmas Song" as if performed by Jimi Hendrix. On the cello.

David Strother made his first appearanace on this program on episode 20. This cut is a demo version of one of the tunes from his latest disc The Desert Is Singing.

and finishing off the show is A Fashionable Disease, featuring a violin apparition name o' Danny. Their aggressive off-center sound will rip you a proverbial new one.

This show comes to you from a cute little spot on Camano Island in Washington state called simply The Camano. If you ever make it out there, tell them Mark from Bowed Radio says hello.

Thanks for listening everyone -- it's great to be back!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender