Recorded live at Sistema Smop in Lisbon across two performances in late 2023, the trio of Ernesto Rodrigues (viola, crackle box), Nuno Torres (alto saxophone), and Carlos Santos (digital electronics) are captured sustained improvisations where acoustic timbre and electronic gesture converge in an expansive dialogue that alternates between subtle textural pulses and unpredictable sonic paradoxes.
In Stock
Quantity in Basket: None
Log In to use our Wish List
Shipping Weight: 3.00 units
EU & UK Customers:
Discogs.com can handle your VAT payments
So please order through Discogs
Sample The Album:
Ernesto Rodrigues-viola, crackle box
Nuno Torres-alto saxophone
Carlos Santos-digital electronics
Click an artist name above to see in-stock items for that artist.
UPC: 5609063408683
Label: Creative Sources
Catalog ID: cs868
Squidco Product Code: 36958
Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2025
Country: Portugal
Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold
Pulses" recorded live at Sistemo Smop, in Lisbon, Portugal, during Desordem Ž Progresso#12 Series, on October 28th 2023
"Paradox" recorded live at Sistemo Smop, in Lisbon, Portugal, during CreativeFest XVII. in Lisbon, Portugal, on December 10th, 2023.
"Pulses and Paradox is a compelling document of live improvisation by Rotor, the trio of Ernesto Rodrigues (viola, crackle box), Nuno Torres (alto saxophone), and Carlos Santos (digital electronics). The album brings together two extended live performances recorded in Lisbon at Sistema Smop — "Pulses" during the Desordem é Progresso #12 Series in October 2023, and "Paradox" at CreativeFest XVII in December 2023 — each presenting a distinct yet unified exploration of sonic immediacy.
Across its two near-half-hour pieces, the trio navigates an expansive terrain where acoustic instrumentation and electronics intermingle. Rodrigues, a central figure in Portugal's experimental improvised music scene, blends textural viola with the crackle box's unpredictable electronics, probing timbral depth and extended technique. Torres's alto saxophone extends beyond jazz idioms into rich, exploratory sound material, propelled by an instinct for nuanced timbral variation. Santos contributes digital electronics that range from subtle spatial manipulation to dynamic textural gestures, rooting the music in a distinctly electroacoustic improvisational ethos.
Together, the musicians generate an immersive dialogue that balances subtle pulses and shifting paradoxes of sound — from sustained drones and fractured attacks to electronic interruptions and collective convergence. The music neither adheres strictly to form nor abandons coherence; instead, it opens a space where acoustic presence and electronic unpredictability coexist, inviting listeners into an improvised sound world shaped by contrast, interplay, and attentive listening.
Artist Biographies
• Show Bio for Ernesto Rodrigues "He has been playing the violin for 30 years and in that time has played all genres of music ranging from contemporary music to free jazz and improvised music, live and in the studio. His main interest shifted towards contemporary improvised and composed music. The relationship with his instruments is focused in sonic and textural elements. Electronic music was an early influence on his approach to violin playing, which challenges traditional romantic concepts of the violin/viola through use of preparations and micro tuning. Active in different settings on the Portuguese scene for free improvised music, both as a collaborator and in leading his own groups. Music for Dance, Cinema, Video and Performance. Has created the record label Creative Sources Recordings in 1999, which mainly concentrates on releasing experimental and electro-acoustic music." ^ Hide Bio for Ernesto Rodrigues • Show Bio for Nuno Torres "Studied alto saxophone within a jazz tradition spectrum. His continuous solo experimental research explores a wide scope of sound material through the use of the extended technics. Participates in several ensembles of improvisational music, electro acoustics and reductionism. Collaborates with musicians such as, Ernesto Rodrigues, Ricardo Jacinto, Sei Miguel, Fala Mariam, João Castro Pinto, Rafael Toral, Manuel Mota, David Stackenäs, Travassos, Paulo Raposo, Carlos Santos, Shiori Usui, C. Spencer Yeh, Cyril Bondi and d'incise, and developed projects as CACTO and PinkDraft, In the recent years has been also collaborating in several different projects at the intersection of the performative areas of dance, theatre and the visual arts (PARQUE, Les Voisins, Eye Height, Adriana Sá, Beatriz Cantinho). Participates and curates experimental and community radio initiatives." ^ Hide Bio for Nuno Torres • Show Bio for Carlos Santos "Studied painting with António Sena (Ar.Co, 1988 -1992), worked in advertising for a period of time, but nowadays works as graphic designer in corporate identity, packaging, web and audio-video production. Started sound/music activities in 1989 when formed the VITRIOL project with Paulo Raposo, a laboratory for experimental sound actions, in a first stage with studio work followed in 1994 by live output, mainly live electronics, concrete music with a improvised or graphic score oriented approach. Uses the laptop with software written in MaxMsp, small resonant objects, microphones and piezo elements to produce a music that deals with space and its sound characteristics. Interests in "soundscape" and field recordings are a huge part of his work, for piece preparation or just for archival purposes, Always recording, events, spaces or music. Multi-channel acusmatic music and radio pieces. Presents himself solo in site-specific audio-video works, or in duos with João Silva (video, sound, photography), "Inhabitaded Spaces" with Ricardo Guerreiro (computer, mics), "Venús Pistolletto" with Emídio Buchinho (elec. guitar, mics, objects) and trios with Ernesto Rodrigues (violin) and Guilherme Rodrigues (cello) or ZNGR electroacustic trio with Carlos "Zíngaro and Emídio Buchinho. Member of several formations, "(Des)Integração" laptop ensemble (2001-2003) or in more electroacoustic sets, uses live-electronics and sampling which is the case of "Suspensão" septep, VGO, variable geometry orchestra and specially a trio close related to the "near silence" aesthetics, with Ernesto Rodrigues (violin, harp) and Guilherme Rodrigues (cello) with already several CD releases, always with at least one international improviser guest. Presented his work in Portugal, Spain, France, UK and Germany. Worked with artists from several media: dance, performance and video. Music and sound design for video and animation. Video and sound editing for comercial projects. Played live or in recording projects throughout the years with a lot of musician and sound artists. His sound work is documented in several CD releases. Belongs to the Granular board of directors, a portuguese association for experimental art and does the image of Creative Sources label. Broadcasts "Boca Doce" show at Rádio Zero (web) and other special shows. Workshops and seminars in digital audio manipulation, Maxmsp programming and sound art practise." ^ Hide Bio for Carlos Santos
1/7/2026
Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.
1/7/2026
Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.
1/7/2026
Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.
Track Listing:
1. Pulses 25:58
2. Paradox 24:59
Creative Sources
Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
Electro-Acoustic
Electro-Acoustic Improv
European Improvisation, Composition and Experimental Forms
Trio Recordings
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers
Search for other titles on the label:
Creative Sources.








































![Coley, Byron / Mats Gustafsson / Thurston Moore: Now Jazz Now: 100 Essential Free Jazz & Improvisation Recordings (1960-80) [BOOK]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36932.jpg)
![Evans, Peter / Being & Becoming: Ars Ludricra [VINYL + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/37026.jpg)
![HobbyHouse (Mia Dyberg / Axel Filip): HobbyHouse [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36944.jpg)
![Mines, Kelsey / Erin Rogers: Scratching At The Surface [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36945.jpg)
![Nebbia, Camila (feat/ Marilyn Crispell / Lesley Mok): A Reflection Distorts Over Water [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36946.jpg)
![Vanheerentals, Adia: Taking Place [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36947.jpg)
![Mines, Kelsey / Vinny Golia: Collusion and Collaboration [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36948.jpg)
![Parkins, Zeena: Lament For The Maker [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36949.jpg)
![Evans, Peter / Mike Pride : A Window, Basically [CD + DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36950.jpg)




![Frey, Jurg : Composer, Alone [3 CDs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36927.jpg)
![Belorukov, Ilia / Alex Riva: Wrestling For Futility [CASSETTE w/DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36994.jpg)




![Agnel, Sophie: Learning [VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36841.jpg)
![Monaco, Amanda (w/ Michael Attias / Sean Conly / Satoshi Takeishi) : Deathblow [VINYL+ DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36956.jpg)



![ElSaffar, Amir / New Quartet : Live at Pierre Boulez Saal [VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36830.jpg)





![Musicworks Magazine: #152 Fall 25 [MAGAZINE + CD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/37004.jpg)




![Genthon, Anouck / Lionel Marchetti: Suite Blanche [2 CDs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36642.jpg)
![Toeplitz, Kasper T.: Erosions Programmees [CD + BOOKLET]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36639.jpg)
![Gate, The : Almost Live [CASSETTE + MAGAZINE]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36836.jpg)






![A Magic Whistle: The Solar Cell [VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36658.jpg)

![McGee, Hal: Columbus Expedition [Cassette w/ Download]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36650.jpg)


![Jaeger, Kassel: Fernweh [VINYL 2 LPs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36541.jpg)





![+DOG+: The Light Of Our Lives [2 CDs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36009.jpg)


![Eternities: Rides Again [CASSETTE]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36247.jpg)








![Frey, Jurg with ensemble]h[iatus: Je Laisse A La Nuit Son Poids D](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36988.jpg)




![Pisaro-Liu, Michael: Within (2) / Appearance (2) [2 CDs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36831.jpg)










![Musicworks Magazine: #151 Summer 25 [MAGAZINE + CD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36559.jpg)

![Brown, Dan / Dan Reynolds: Live At The Grange Hall [unauthorized][CASSETTE]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36245.jpg)


![Zorn, John: The Song of Songs [CD + CD BOOK]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36923.jpg)

![Coultrain: Mundus [COLORED VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/33056.jpg)
![Hprizm: Signs Remixed [COLORED VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/30635.jpg)
![Halls Of the Machine: All Tribal Dignitaries [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOAD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36134.jpg)



![Koenjihyakkei: Live at Club Goodman [2 CDs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36111.jpg)

![Sorry For Laughing (G. Whitlow / M. Bates / Dave-Id / E. Ka-Spel): Rain Flowers [2 CDS]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/35985.jpg)

![Rolando, Tommaso / Andy Moor : Biscotti [CASSETTE w/ DOWNLOADS]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/36106.jpg)


![Electric Bird Noise / Derek Roddy: 8-10-22 [CD EP]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/35970.jpg)








![Elephant9 : Mythical River [VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/34624.jpg)



![Elephant9 with Terje Rypdal: Catching Fire [VINYL 2 LPs]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/35355.jpg)
![Coley, Byron: Dating Tips for Touring Bands [VINYL]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/17906.jpg)

![Lost Kisses: My Life is Sad & Funny [DVD]](https://www.teuthida.com/productImages/misc4/lostKissesDVD.jpg)