Improvising while watching a film is a bit like talking and washing up at the same time, apparently. We’ll be testing this theory out on Jazz on 3 this week with a really unusual session as part of Sound of Cinema season on the BBC.
The results couldn’t be further from the dull, domestic grind of doing the dishes though – and that’s actually the point being made by violinist Alison Blunt, whose quartet of freely improvising musicians came into the studio, sat down in front of three short silent films, and recorded their impromptu soundtracks. Watching films (doing the dishes) allows the musicians to be less guarded, to express things they might not otherwise, and this takes the music in some surprising directions.
We’ll have the films available on this week's programme page so you can watch as you listen (they’ll also be available after broadcast, synced with the music). Join us on a 1920s sci-fi Trip to the Planets, guided by the vocals of Viv Corringham, before two abstract, Antipodean adventures. The brittle string sounds of Blunt, guitarist John Bisset and bassist David Leahy really enhance these, and listen out for a beautiful close to the session.
Also on the programme, I’m joined by Kevin Le Gendre to round up the best new releases, and there are rich pickings on offer – treats from the likes of Ralph Alessi, Empirical and another master of the improvised film soundtrack, Ornette Coleman.
Join me for some highly unusual sounds and pictures from 11pm on Monday 16 September or listen online for seven days after broadcast.
Jez
Email the show - jazzon3@bbc.co.uk
Tweet us - @BBCJazzOn3
