Gobsmack I: Thinking Outside The Voicebox

Friday 16th March

JUICE
+ Curious Voice Duo + Jamie Woon + Jenni Roditi + Wan Dan

Gobsmack brought together an array of artists who take the human voice to the limits, representing developments in vocal music which have spiralled from all genres. Mongolian throat-singing, Scandinavian folk, leftfield pop and beatboxing demonstrate the kind of extra-vocal techniques that experimental composers of the 1960s would marvel at. In contemporary classical music, the interest lies beyond the innovations of Berio et al, forging links between vocal characteristics of jazz, folk and pop in a new music context.

Curated by Kerry Andrew from the vocal ensemble Juice.

At 6.30pm there was also be an 'open-mic' session of some of the most extraordinary and experimental vocal music around. A CD of this hour of the 'unexpected' was given to all audience members at the end of the concert. There were short performances from Celinn, Yumi Hara-Cawkwell, Roshi, Linda Hirst, Bunty and Laura Moody.
Comments from participants

"I loved the Gobsmack event - it brought so many singing styles together - the diversity was a real richness and a point of mutual inspiration too, I think! It shows how much invention there is across the board from pop techniques like looping and beat boxing to a capella singing, through world music inspired improvisations, compositions and contemporary commissions side by side with ambient grooves and vocal aerobics. This is the way forward!"
Jenni Roditi

"It has been amazing half a year since I participated Gobsmack.
I used to be just a composer before then, but now I got recognition as a vocalist, performing with my heroes!!
I did a gig with David Cross (electric violin, ex-King Crimson) in June, and further performances and recording are under way, including some festival engagements as far as in 2009!

Also I recently started HUMI, duet with Hugh Hopper (bass, Soft Machine etc), which has already attracted huge interests from labels, promoters and audience, and our debut gig is on 1st Nov at Club Integral.

Although I had always been performing as a vocalist, I never had 'recognition' as much as I had as a composer before, especially in 'new music' circle.
Experience at Gobsmack really gave me a confidence to put myself forward as a vocalist.
Also it was a great opportunity to get video and audio recording for promotion.

I have signed up Music Orbit website!"
Yumi Hara Cawkwell