The Creative Music Guild in partnership with Disjecta is proud to present international collaboration Akiyama / Eubanks / Kahn / Nakamura, a sonically daring mix of free improvisation, noise and experimental electronics. The group of Tetuzi Akiyama, Bryan Eubanks, Jason Kahn and Toshimaru Nakamura meets together for the first time on this 16-date U.S. tour, spanning both coasts and reaching the northern reaches of the Midwest down to the Deep South. Made possible by the Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN program.

Tetuzi Akiyama // guitar
Bryan Eubanks // saxophone, electronics
Jason Kahn // drums, percussion
Toshimaru Nakamura // no-input mixing board

Tetuzi Akiyama is one of Japan’s most active experimental guitarists. He manages to successfully bridge many directions in his music, ranging from Texas boogie and free noise to highly restrained acoustic work. (http://japanimprov.com/takiyama)

Toshimaru Nakamura has made a name for himself since the late 1990’s in improvised and experimental electronic music with his use of the no-input mixing board, an instrument yielding a wide range of sonic possibilities within the framework of a chaotic feedback system he has developed over many solo and collaborative concerts. (http://japanimprov.com/tnakamura)

Bryan Eubanks is active as a composer of electronic music and as an improviser. He plays the soprano saxophone both as acoustic instrument and as part of a unique feedback system built and designed by himself, using open circuit boards and custom analog circuitry. (http://sacredrealism.org/bryaneubanks)

On drum set, Jason Kahn’s playing swings across a wide spectrum of approaches, ranging from ecstatic propulsion and rhythmic drive to abstract sound textures using a variety of found metal objects and cymbals. (http://jasonkahn.net)

Together, these musicians will fuse free improvisation, noise, experimental electronics and the uncategorizable in a fresh and vibrant approach to group playing and spontaneous music creation.

“A journey through organic, hazardous waste…industrial-like sound apocalypse.” – Julien Heraud, Improv Sphere

“Constantly pushing sounds into focus, cutting or manipulating, throwing contrasting material together, restless sound, rough-edged and noisy.” – Billy Gomberg, I Hate Music

Supported by the Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN program
and in partnership with Disjecta

Derek Monypeny is a guitarist and oud player who has been based in Portland since 2010. He has released several solo albums on the Weird Forest and Underwater Experiences labels, as well as his own Raheem Records label, showcasing a wide array of influences and approaches to sound. He has performed, toured, and collaborated with artists/bands including Sir Richard Bishop, Jozef van Wissem, Oaxacan, and the Portland Bike Ensemble. He is currently a member of the Portland-based noise/rhythm ensemble known as ALTO! His Outset Series solo guitar performance will incorporate influences derived from Indian music, specifically the shehnai playing of Bismillah Khan, as well as the circular-breathing continuous note-streams of Evan Parker.