C.R. KASPRZYK

[bag]gage

November 26th, 2010 // community, environment, equality, food

Things are moving in the right direction for those interested in the voice of the people! Why would one, for example, avoid the joy of convenience, opting for this bring-your-own-bag idea for groceries and other shopping? How ridiculous would someone look walking into a store with their own bag?!? We live in the best country on Earth so obviously we deserve conveniences. Am I expected to remember bags every time I want to purchase something? I have enough to carry (and most people recycle (most of the time)). Besides, reusable bags typically cost an entire dollar! That’s just for one bag! There are many restaurants where one can purchase an entire sandwich for that price. Bags that advertise the stores at which we shop are another way to display social status (and have been known to make some feel sexy). There’s nothing wrong with a little plastic, right? Major social change simply costs too much. If problems, like using plastic bags, were really an issue, I’d be able to see it. It’s no different than those who feel there’s actually something wrong with bottled water. In any other case, it’s just fuel for someone’s impractical agenda.

Dry ice demo…

November 16th, 2010 // composition, free improvisation

I recently gave a presentation on my work (i.e. social cognition by means of musical adaptation). While it was great to speak to a receptive audience, it proved beneficial for me to see how I have explored certain composition processes the past few years. The latest results (07.13.10a) are finally nearing completion. More soon…

In conjunction, I demonstrated some of the timbral possibilities with metals, dry ice and interactive electronics. Here is a rough mix of two excerpts from my improvisation that day.

Zucchini Spaghetti

October 27th, 2010 // food

6 ounces whole-wheat dried spaghettini
1.5 cups zucchini (and some squash if desired)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoons grated Parmesan
black pepper

Adapted from Michael Chiarello.

A little out of season, but…

Cook the pasta.

While waiting for the water to boil and the pasta cook, cut the zucchini with a mandolin mandoline (or carefully use a knife to create long, fine strands, unlike the picture above). Put the Zucchini (and some squash, if you want) in a colander and place it over the boiling water to steam for a minute or two.

Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the garlic and saute briefly. Quickly mix in the basil and remove from the heat. When the pasta is ready, drain through a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Pour the pasta into a serving bowl; add the zucchini, the garlic mixture, and the cheese. Toss well, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Sprinkle a little Parmesan over the top as desired.

n.b. Audio sample of this coming soon.

~ 59.53 Hz

August 22nd, 2010 // field recordings

Everything is amazing

August 15th, 2010 // technology

I suppose I’ll contradict myself here. I’m becoming oriented for my doctoral studies tomorrow. Much of my teaching/studying will focus upon the incorporation of digital media in a musical setting (and be theoretically good). I don’t have everything on my shopping list just yet, but there is much at my disposal with this opportunity and I look forward to studies with my mentor. In the midst of a semester, it’s probably best for me not to complain about music notation software or other things that we expect (but really are major conveniences). Technology has come a long way. Our concerti involving mobile devices have become a little more sophisticated (this is true of toothbrushes as well) and there are many great companies creating standard software to do impressive things.

So in this world where we can make t-shirts out of old plastic bottles, try our hand at expressionistic painting, and cassettes are just good for breaking apart to use the tape as a bow for various string instruments, why not be smart about things, stop video chatting while operating a gasoline powered vehicle and drinking from a disposable cup, and take a moment to unplug electrical items that aren’t being used and see how else one can not be wasteful? There is much at our disposal and everything is amazing.

Music at Main

August 10th, 2010 // saxophone

I recently performed on the Music at Main concert series at the Cleveland Public Library. (While others feel differently, Cleveland is alright…but I’m still a fan of Baltimore). I admit preparing for events like this in recent time has posed some worries on my behalf, having many odds (other than now living over two hours from Cleveland) against me. Despite concerns with tone and reeds, I “expertly portrayed” [the works] with “musical flair” (Clevelandclassical.com). It was great to perform with the (evolving) group again, particularly John, who proved incredibly helpful and supportive during my Cleveland stint. I’m always thankful for performances like these but do look forward to what’s next as I pursue a better execution of my composition-classical saxophone-phonography-electronics-free improv-environmentally concerned-etc.-hat.

The series’ curator, Michael Dalby, brings a number of musicians in to perform in a setting that would not normally be used for musical events. While this leaves one with little surprise when a random gentlemen walks in front of you during a concert, as was the case, the benefits of the series are plentiful and should be revered. Dalby’s enthusiasm and commitment also yielded audio and video made available in an amazingly quick fashion. If only everyone worked as efficiently…!

E. Grieg, Aus Holberg’s Zeit, mvmt. 1

The space itself is quite beautiful and offered extremely reverberant acoustics (as I should have anticipated). Those reading in the library that day were offered a different performance acoustically, depending on the floor on which they sat. I couldn’t help but notice features of the sound that followed ours.

J. Perrine, Vonnegut, mvmt 5, Man Without a Country followed by the a closer look at the library’s acoustics