The Squid's Ear Magazine


Blonk, Jaap : Irrelevant Comments (Kontrans)

As he delves further into electronics, Netherlands vocal improviser and experimental artists Jaap Blonk finds an ever-increasing array of approaches to modify his voice and set it into alien and astounding environments, here in 16 tracks of musique concrete, sound poetry, pulse based electronics, soundscapes, and inexplicable hybrids of the same.
 

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Jaap Blonk-voice, electronics


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UPC: B0788XRY6Z

Label: Kontrans
Catalog ID: Kontrans 164
Squidco Product Code: 26031

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2018
Country: Netherlands
Packaging: Cardstock Sleeve
Recorded in Arnhem, Netherlands, 2010-2016, except 8: 1996 and 10: 2003.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

As he delves further into electronics, Netherlands vocal improviser and experimental artists Jaap Blonk finds an ever-increasing array of approaches to modify his voice and set it into alien and astounding environments, here in 16 tracks of musique concrete, sound poetry, pulse based electronics, soundscapes, and inexplicable hybrids of the same. These recordings were made in Arnhem, Netherlands between 2010 and 2016, with two older tracks, one from 1996 ("Bubble & Squeak") and from 2003 ("Knackersumm"). The level of creative intent, impressive vocal technique, and unusual application of electronics make this a strange and rewarding addition to any collection of avant vocal and electronic composition.



This album has been reviewed on our magazine:

The Squid
The Squid's Ear!

Artist Biographies

"Jaap Blonk (born 1953 in Woerden, Holland) is a self-taught composer, performer and poet.He went to university for mathematics and musicology but did not finish those studies.In the late 1970s he took up saxophone and started to compose music.A few years later he discovered his potential as a vocal performer, at first in reciting poetry and later on in improvisations and his own compositions. For almost two decades the voice was his main means for the discovery and development of new sounds.From around the year 2000 on Blonk started work with electronics, at first using samples of his own voice, then extending the field to include pure sound synthesis as well.He took a year off of performing in 2006. As a result, his renewed interest in mathematics made him start a research of the possibilities of algorithmic composition for the creation of music, visual work and poetry.

As a vocalist, Jaap Blonk is unique for his powerful stage presence and almost childlike freedom in improvisation, combined with a keen grasp of structure. He has performed around the world, on all continents. With the use of live electronics the scope and range of his concerts has acquired a considerable extension.

Besides working as a soloist, he collaborated with many musicians and ensembles in the field of contemporary and improvised music, like Maja Ratkje, Mats Gustafsson, Joan La Barbara, The Ex, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble and the Ebony Band. He premiered several compositions by the German composer Carola Bauckholt, including a piece for voice and orchestra. A solo voice piece was commissioned by the Donaueschinger Musiktage. On several occasions he collaborated with visual computer artist Golan Levin, for the Ars Electronica Festival.

Blonk's work for radio and television includes several commissioned radio plays.He also makes larger-scale drawings of his scores, as well as visual poetry, which is being exhibited.

He has his own record label, Kontrans, featuring a total of 25 releases so far. Other Blonk recordings appeared on various labels, such as Staalplaat, Basta, VICTO, Ecstatic Peace, Monotype Records, Terp and Elegua Records.His book/CD 'Traces of Speech' was published in 2012 by Hybriden-Verlag, Berlin. Forthcoming is a sequel with the title "Traces of Cookery".A comprehensive collection of his sound poetry came out as a book with 2 CDs in 2013, entitled "KLINKT"."

-Jaap Blonk Website (http://www.jaapblonk.com/Pages/biography.html)
3/13/2024

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


Track Listing:



1. Yeah Poo Wap 01:09

2. Boring Conversation 01:01

3. One Among Many 06:21

4. Circular Deprivation 04:14

5. Cacotok 01:04

6. Dirges (For Hugo Ball) 07:04

7. Irrelevant Comments 02:53

8. Bubble and Squeak 00:59

9. Some Attempts 01:46

10. Knackersumm 06:06

11. Raadgevingen voor de jonge maker 01:46

12. Slight Incision 00:35

13. Burning Tongues 04:57

14. Interesting Conversation 01:05

15. Alisha's Dance 05:11

16. A Song For My Dentist 03:28

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Electro-Acoustic
Free Improvisation
Unusual Vocal Forms
Organized Sound and Sample Based Music
Solo Artist Recordings
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Experimental & Electronic Music

Search for other titles on the label:
Kontrans.


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