#3521: All Acoustic

It’s an all-acoustic program of music on this New Sounds, including music from Colin Jacobsen & the Silk Road Ensemble, violinist Hilary Hahn, and guitarist Kevin Hufnagel. If Hufnagel’s name sounds familiar, it could be because we heard from his ambient record “Transparencies” previously on New Sounds, or perhaps more likely, it is because of his work as a guitarist in Dysrhythmia, Gorguts, and Vaura, (largely metal outfits) among others. But on his latest release, “Ashland,” he has made a record of captivating and thoughtful instrumental miniatures built around the baritone ukulele, both prepared (with wooden file, hair elastic and sewing needle in the strings - nod to John Cage) and unaltered. 

Hufnagel's tunes range in texture from lute-like to a mini percussion ensemble, all built around melodies that can convey a sense of nostalgia or melancholy, and we'll sample some of these baritone uke creations for this program.  Also, listen to prepared piano from Hauschka with sounds like electronic drone, (created by a strategically placed ebow on a piano string), together with Hilary Hahn’s violin.  Also, hear music from Boston-based musician Tev Stevig, who plays clawhammer style (a la banjo) on his guitar, along with new music from the Silk Road Ensemble by violinist Colin Jacobsen, featuring Kayhan Kalhor’s kamacheh, and more.

PROGRAM #3521– All Acoustic (First aired on 10/11/2013)