ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Matt Nelson + Adam Lion are a non-idiomatic improvising double bass and percussion duo from a burgeoning experimental music scene in Knoxville that is merging contemporary concert music, noise, jazz and free improvisation- an inevitable civic consequence from hosting Big Ears. They are regular performers at the Pilot Light (Knoxville,) and have also been featured at the University of Richmond, the FMRL Series (Nashville,) and the Fuse Factory (Columbus.) Their recording “Observations” will be released through the Park70 label early this year.
ABOUT THE IMPROV SESSION: Adam Lion + Matt Nelson
Matt Nelson + Adam Lion strive to present deeply original sound experiences. Reevaluating what it means to be an “instrumentalist,” and to perform “together,” the duo explores various themes including sound attainment, unconventional performance techniques, and spontaneity.
Does conventional performance technique restrict creative ideas? If so, what does it mean to be an instrumentalist? How can we use our given artistic medium to its fullest expressive potential? What does it mean to be a creative artist in 2019? For PASIC, Matt Nelson + Adam Lion propose a 10-minute free improvisation session exploring these ideas. They hope to expose the audience to unconventional methods of expression, technique, and musicality, inspiring fresh minds to reassess their own craft.