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The Squid's Ear Magazine

Cunningham, Alex / Claire Rousay
Specifically The Water

Cunningham, Alex / Claire Rousay: Specifically The Water (Astral Spirits)

A wide range of approach and style in the debut duo recording from Alex Cunningham (violin) and Claire Rousay (percussion), a free affair of expressive and well-matched interaction, from effusively sophisticated rapport to pointillist dexterity and drive, from moments of intense introspection to cantankerous conversation, a fascinating and unpredictable dialog.
 

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product information:

Personnel:



Alex Cunningham-violin

Claire Rousay-percussion


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Label: Astral Spirits
Catalog ID: AS123CD
Squidco Product Code: 29226

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2020
Country: USA
Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold
Recorded by Ryan Wasoba

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

A wide range of approach and style in the debut duo recording of Alex Cunningham (violin) and Claire Rousay (percussion). A free affair of non-idiomatic improvisation, the two reach common ground in expressive and well-matched interaction, from effusively sophisticated rapport to pointillist dexterity and drive. At times the two are found in intense introspection of a quiet nature, at others approaching their work in a friendly and cantankerous conversation. In all they provide a fascinating and unpredictable dialog that compels the listener in the breadth of their interests and unusual yet technically brilliant approaches to their instruments.

Alex Cunningham is a violinist, improviser, and visual artist based in St. Louis, MO. His work explores free improvisation, drone, noise, and minimalist composition. Cunningham has recently performed with Mark Shippy, Sandy Ewen, Damon Smith, Stefan Gonzalez, and Lisa Cameron and has ongoing collaborations with Chris Trull (under the Apathist! moniker), Kevin Harris, and Claire Rousay.

Claire Rousay is a performer and musician based in San Antonio, Texas. Her work explores queerness, human relationships, and self perception through the use of physical objects and their potential sounds.

Also available on cassette tape.

Artist Biographies

"Alex Cunningham is a violinist, improviser, and visual artist based in St. Louis, MO. His work explores free improvisation, drone, noise, and minimalist composition. Cunningham has recently performed with Mark Shippy, Sandy Ewen, Damon Smith, Stefan Gonzalez, and Lisa Cameron and has ongoing collaborations with Chris Trull (under the Apathist! moniker), Kevin Harris, and Claire Rousay. Past collaborations include the groups Vernacular String Trio, Hess/Cunningham Duo, and Hardbody. Cunningham has released music on Close/Far Recordings, Personal Archives, Already Dead Tapes and Records, Fort Evil Fruit, and Astral Spirits.

Cunningham's collage work has appeared on various album covers and concert posters. He was named St. Louis' "Best Concert Poster Designer" by the Riverfront Times in 2015. His visual work has shown at Hoffman LaChance Contemporary, Resident Arts, Blank Space, and the Thomas Dunn Learning Center and has been featured on bus stops in St. Louis as part of St. Louis Metro's "Arts in Transit" initiative. "

-Alex Cunningham Website (https://www.alexcunninghamviolin.com/about)
7/9/2025

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.

"Claire Rousay is a performer and musician based in San Antonio, Texas. Her work explores queerness, human relationships, and self perception through the use of physical objects and their potential sounds.

Rousay has recently performed with Alex Cunningham, Brandon Lopez, Carol Genetti, Ingebrigt Haker-Flaten, Jacob Wick, Ken Vandermark, Lisa Cameron, Lori Goldston, Michael Foster, Sarah Hughes, Tom Carter, and others.

She has toured extensively across North America, booking 220 dates in 2017 alone. In 2018 she participated in the Sonic Transmissions Festival and NMASS Festival as well as performed at venues such as the Tobin Center for Performing Arts, Casa del Popolo, and Issue Project Room. Her work also received support from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. 2019 has rousay participating in various residencies and concert series performances at places such as Experimental Sound Studio, Elastic Arts, RhizomeDC, and Beaubourg (NOLA)."

-Claire Rousay Website (https://clairerousay.com/about)
7/9/2025

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Tasked 4:00

2. We Should 15:58

3. Pressure Event 14:37

4. Social Capital Where I Grew Up 16:14

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
Stringed Instruments
Percussion & Drums
Duo Recordings
Miva Delete Product Category

Search for other titles on the label:
Astral Spirits.

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The Squid's Ear Magazine

The Squid's Ear Magazine

© 2002-, Squidco LLC

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