CONSORT OF 1
Live-looped Early Music
Consort of 1 is my solo project combining Medieval and Renaissance music, played on historical instruments with modern live-looping technology. My CD "Looping Through Time is available from the Shop page, and you can see some examples of my performances and recordings on the videos page.
I've performed as Consort of 1 in a wide range of settings including formal concerts, background music and pub sessions. If you think Consort of 1 might be what you're looking for for your event then here are some examples of the kinds of things I've got ready to roll out for you:
Looping Through Time
"A really great gig: lovely music, wonderful instruments & inspired use of looping. Can't wait for the next one!"
- Mike Parker, facebook
Based on my debut album, this is a concert programme that showcases exciting live-looped arrangements of up-beat dances, soulful songs and catchy melodies, played on a wide range of instruments. For shorter concerts (up to 1 hour) there is a choice of "The Medieval set" - which covers the 13th-15th centuries on bagpipes, medieval fiddles, recorder and pipe & tabor, or "The Renaissance set" of music from the 16th & 17th centuries on shawms, curtal, recorders, violin and percussion. For a full-length evening concert these two sets become the two halves of the show.
The Medieval Imaginarium
Taking inspiration from source material, Lizzie Gutteridge explores relationships between musicians and artists of the past and their own history and creative life. How did the musicians of the 16th century perceive the music of the ancient Greeks? How old were the tunes played in Augsburg when historical reenactments or pageants were held there with the townsfolk wearing costumes that spanned 400 years? What did a 14thc Italian painter imagine when he depicted a host of angels playing both contemporary and historical instruments?
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Firestarter - John Ball and the Great Revolt
A collaboration with story teller Clare Goodall. Music from the 14th century provides the backdrop to the tale of the Great Revolt and radical preacher John Ball. Born near Colchester (maybe?), Ball preached in English (shocking!) and claimed that everyone was created equal (scandalous!!). He was excommunicated and would have languished in jail had he not been released by the Rebels as they took London, burnt the Savoy, and went on to parley with the King. The future hung in the balance...
Fortune's Wheels
On tour by bamboo bike with a compact live-looping set up and a pannier full of instruments including recorder, chalumeau, bagpipe, sordune and percussion.
Ma fin est mon commencement
Some of the most fascinating and complex music of the 14th century, with compositional techniques we commonly associate with 20th century modernism: canons, inversions, prolation, hockets and isorhythm... The results are remarkably beautiful and the effect often quite serene. This music is very well suited to the live-looping set-up which allows us to hear the individual layers of each piece as they slot together. For variety's sake there'll also be a couple of the 14th century's catchiest tunes!
Educational work, background music & events
Live-looped early music can also be used in schools and historical venues to teach about Medieval music and instruments. The recorded/looped music can be left running while I interact with pupils or public, teaching them songs & dances and even letting them try their hand at some of the instruments. I can also provide music for banquets, weddings and other events.