
Threshold is a quartet comprised of Seattle improvised music scene veterans. Organized by Don Berman, the group assembled for a free-ranging session in 2023, and discovered they can enter a musical space “through threshold” where they improvise together in a deep listening manner that almost sounds composed. Some call it “great band chemistry”.
This project is the manifestation of a musical vision Don had held for years: a 21st century string quartet. Deeply influenced by his late father, William Berman, a master violist who performed extensively in symphonic and string chamber music settings, the decision was made to create a contemporary chamber group. In his words: “I took the liberty of choosing cello, two guitarists, percussion, and creative electronics, as opposed to the classic two violins, viola, and cello format. Complex polyphony that fits together extremely well.” Threshold is: Heather Bentley (cello, electronics), Don Berman (percussion), Simon Henneman (guitar, electronics), Dennis Rea (guitar, electronics). The show will celebrate the release of Threshold’s second recording, “Live at Vermillion”, mixed, mastered and produced by Gregg Miller, for his exciting new label, Sonic Action Records.
Far-reaching in musical scope but containing approachable sonic inroads, the Neil Welch Trio explores compositions and improvisations with deep grooves, malleable time, swinging phrasing, jagged phrasing, microtonal melodies, and much more. The group will perform all original compositions by Neil Welch, crafted specifically for this ensemble. Neil Welch (soprano, tenor and bass saxophones), Julian Weisman (acoustic bass), and Greg Campbell (drums, percussion objects, and french horn).
Saxophonist Neil Welch is a Seattle-based improviser, acoustic and electronic artist, curator, composer, recording artist and educator. His practice is firmly linked to the natural world, welcoming inspiration from the abundant wildernesses of the Pacific Northwest. These influences are sonically reflected by a measured use of space and activated silence, with such specialized techniques as multiphonic-acoustic chord playing, microtonal pitch content, and air/wind-based sound. He is also a deep practitioner in the sculpting of a compelling melody, played on horn voices ranging from soprano to bass saxophone.