Northern Static: Recent Episodes
Pete Johnston
Episode 15 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Rocky Mountain-based composer Rebecca Bruton. Recorded in January 2020.
Links: http://rebeccabruton.com Full Swanherds concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJxuE_71qZk https://rebeccaflood.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/lilmansound http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 16 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer, guitarist, and listener Craig Dunsmuir. Recorded in January 2020.
Links: https://kunudusuvuntu.bandcamp.com https://www.mixcloud.com/craigfraid/ https://bandcamp.com/craigdunsmuir http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 13 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer and percussionist Germaine Liu. Recorded in January 2020.
Links: https://soundcloud.com/germaine-liu https://crlmusic.bandcamp.com/releases http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 14 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer and video game designer Shaw-Han Liem. Recorded in December 2019.
Links: http://www.robotandproud.com
https://iamrobotandproud.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/robotandproud
http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com
https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 12 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based cellist and composer Nick Storring. Recorded in September 2017.
Links: https://nickstorring.ca http://nickstorring.bandcamp.com http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 11 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based pianist and composer Marilyn Lerner. Recorded in October 2017.
Links: https://www.marilynlerner.com http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 10 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer and saxophonist Paul Newman. Recorded in July 2017.
Links: https://paulnewman1.bandcamp.com http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 9 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer and drummer Nick Fraser. Recorded in September 2019.
Links: http://nickfraserthedrummer.com https://nickfraserthedrummer.bandcamp.com https://fraserdavismalaby.bandcamp.com/album/zoning http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com https://seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com
Episode 8 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer Allison Cameron. Recorded in June 2017.
Links: https://www.allisoncameron.com https://soundcloud.com/allisoncameronmusic www.petejohnstonmusic.com
Episode 7 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based bassist and composer Rob Clutton. Recorded in October 2017.
Links: https://www.robclutton.com https://robclutton.bandcamp.com
Musical Examples: Rob Clutton - “Overtaken By The Hounds of Reason”, from Dubious Pleasures (2005)
Leo Kottke - “Mr. Fonebone”, from The Essential Leo Kottke Collection, Universal Music Group (1991)
Dave Holland Quartet - “Four Winds”, from Conference of the Birds, ECM Records (1973)
Rob Clutton Band - “Cranberry Bog”, from Tender Buttons (2000)
Oregon - “Poesia”, from Winter Light, Universal Music Group (1974)
Rob Clutton - “Formal Garden”, from Dubious Pleasures (2005)
The Cluttertones - “Leeways, Pt. 3”, from Leeways (2018)
Drumheller - “Porch”, from Wives (2007)
Episode 6 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with New Brunswick-based trumpeter and composer Nicole Rampersaud. Recorded in October 2017.
Links: https://nicolerampersaud.com
https://soundcloud.com/nicolerampersaud
Musical Examples:
Ken Aldcroft’s Convergence Ensemble, “Clydesdale”, from the album Sneaky Petes-Slugs
Anthony Braxton, excerpt from the album For Alto
Peter Evans, “Mirrors of Infinity”, from the album Lifeblood
Axel Dörner, “Improvisation on the Bridge Above Train Tracks”, on YouTube
Nicole Rampersaud, “#3”
Nicole Rampersaud, “#4”
c_RL, “Boogie Woogie To The Church”, from the album Friends
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
The debut record from Stranger Still, which consists of musical settings by composer Pete Johnston of poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan (1933-1983). Johnston and Nowlan share a birthplace of Hants County, Nova Scotia, and the poems tell stories of the people, seasons, and landscape of the Atlantic coast of Canada.
"The music of Stranger Still feels minimal in nature, but is maximal in effect... As a debut, it is a stunning, nuanced effort from a talented : of performers. 8/10" Bryon Hayes, Exclaim! Magazine
Released April 27, 2019 Mim Adams and Randi Helmers - vocals Rob Clutton - string bass Pete Johnston acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ap steel, vocals, percussion
Music ©2019 Pete Johnston (SOCAN), words by Alden Nowlan 1933-1983) All poems reproduced from the book Alden Nolan: Selected Poems 1996), and used with permission from House of Anansi Press Inc, Toronto. www.houseofanansi.com All Rights Reserved
Recorded at See Through Sound by Pete Johnston Produced by Andrew Taylor and Pete Johnston, mixed by Andrew Taylor Mastered by Fedge Artwork by Mike Smith, band photo by Jeff Elliot
We acknowledge the support the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
Episode 5 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with Toronto-based composer Martin Arnold. Recorded in July 2017.
Links: https://soundcloud.com/martinarnold
Musical Examples: Martin Arnold, “Slip Minuet”, from the album The Spit Veleta, performed by Mira Benjamin
Cecil Taylor, “O.P”, from the album New York City R&B
Charles Mingus, “Lock ‘Em Up (Hellview of Bellevue)”, from the album Mingus
Oregon, “Rainmaker”, from the album Winter Light
Gentle Giant, “The Advent of Panurge”, from the album Octopus
Weather Report, “Boogie Woogie Waltz”, from the album Sweet Nighter
Carla Bley, “Morning, Pt. 2”, from the Gary Burton Quartet album A Genuine Tong Funeral
Per Nørgård, “Voyage Into The Golden Screen”, from the album Iris and Voyage Into The Golden Screen
Martin Arnold, “Contact; Vault”, from the Bozzini Quartet album Aberrare
Martin Arnold, “Tam Lin”, from the album Tam Lin
Martin Arnold, “Coo-Coo Bird”, performed by Callum McSherry (voice, guitar), Quatuor Bozzini, and the University of Bristol New Music Ensemble
Episode 4 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with guitar player and composer Christine Bougie. Recorded in August 2017.
Links: http://www.christinebougie.com https://christinebougie.bandcamp.com http://www.petejohnstonmusic.com
Musical Examples: Christine Bougie and Dafydd Hughes, “Hammy’s Secret Life”, from the album This Is Awesome
Joni Mitchell, “In France They Kiss on Main Street”, from the album Shadows and Light
Bill Frisell, “Pleased To Meet You”, from the album Gone, Just Like A Train
Christine Bougie, “Do I Ramble”, from the album Whistle Up A World
Christine Bougie, “Me Her”, from the album Aloha Supreme
Christine Bougie, “Chet and Chomsky”, from the album Aloha Supreme
A conversation with composer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Smith, leader of the bands Muskox and the Mike Smith Company. Recorded in July 2017.
Links: www.soundcloud.com/mikesmithto www.muskox.bandcamp.com
Musical Examples: Jonathan Adjemian and Mike Smith, “Fifth Transcombobulation”, from the album Transcombobulation
Mr. Bungle, “Platypus”, from the album Disco Volante
Frank Zappa, “Brown Shoes Don’t Make It”, from the album Absolutely Free
Muskox, “Generic Organs”, from the album Invocation Transformations
Muskox, “Muskox Jr”, from the album Invocation Transformations
Yes, “Roundabout”, from the album Fragile
Frank Zappa, “Uncle Meat: Main Title Theme/The Voice of Cheese”, from the album Uncle Meat
Mike Smith Company, “Privateer’s Bounty”, unreleased
Mike Smith Company, “Redacted”, from the album Famous Wildlife Movies
www.petejohnstonmusic.com www.soundcloud.com/northernstatic
Episode 2 of Northern Static is a discussion and listening session with trumpet player and composer Lina Allemano. Recorded in July 2017.
Links: www.linaallemano.com https://linaallemano.bandcamp.com
Musical Examples: Lina Allemano’s Titanium Riot, “Squish It”, from the album Squish It. Lina Allemano 4, “Flummox”, from the album Live At The Tranzac. Lina Allemano 4, “Hush”, from the album Live At The Tranzac. Lina Allemano 4, “Sometimes Y”, from the album Sometimes Y.
This inaugural episode of Northern Static explores the music of the late guitarist and composer Ken Aldcroft, with guests Karen Ng and Wes Neal.
Links: www.kenaldcroft.com
Musical Examples: Dave Douglas, "Parallel Worlds", from the album Parallel Worlds.
Ken Aldcroft’s Convergence Ensemble, “Our Hospitality” from the album Saskatoon Bassement 2007.
Henry Threadgill Zooid, “Sap” from the album This Brings Us To, Vol. 1.
Ken Aldcroft’s Threads Quintet, “Threads III” from the album 10/09/11.
Ken Aldcroft and Scott Thomson, “Blue” from the album Red and Blue.
Northern Static is recorded, produced, and edited by Pete Johnston.
Find me at: www.petejohnstonmusic.com www.soundcloud.com/northernstatic www.seethroughmusic.bandcamp.com