Caspar Sonnet (lap-steel dobro) Kozue Matsumoto (koto) is an acoustic experimental, improvisational duo based in Los Angeles, California. Both artists employ numerous extended techniques exploring an array of sounds and textures heralding modern and early eastern and western folk traditions. The collaborations are fiercely intensive, concentrated duets where both players utilize prepared techniques composed in set time blocks. Each player is then assigned a specific set of tools to manipulate various parts of the instrument and are assigned set tunings, microtonal or otherwise. Their use of instrumental augmentation, movement and presence are captivating to witness.
Versus, released in April 2019 on Portland label Sounds et al., captures the intensity of their collaboration. Raucous tones, ringing notes, and harsh drones produced acoustically; at times terrifying, utterly overpowering the listener. Art that must be engaged with.
“As an experimental composer/performer/multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer, I create sound structures using prepared acoustic lap-steel dobro, harmonica, voice & percussion, employing an array of various extended techniques & just intonation, allowing spontaneous, improvised compositions to develop within time as it does. These time frames are regulated by use of sand and glass timers (hourglass) of varying durations or “soft time” which induces a sense of hyper-awareness within each player, thus time becomes a physical object in the room.” – Caspar Sonnet
“This project has been an incredibly exciting and intensive experience for me. It is a deep process of re-thinking and challenging my long-term relationship with the koto. I try to communicate with my instrument in various unconventional and sometimes absurd ways, and then ask: How do I feel about it? How is the koto responding to it? Is this experiment working? Are we still happy together? We discovered many things about each other, and the time we spend together became more powerful. Then Caspar. He is an artist with a full spirit, and creating music together with him is compelling. I really enjoy the constantly changing colors of sound and noise that Caspar creates.” – Kozue Matsumoto
www.indexical.org/events/2019-05-3-tongue-depressor-caspar-sonnet-kozue-matsumoto