This week, the Circle have their first formal meeting in a new performance/rehearsal space, Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain, MA. SC is a converted cathedral become cultural center which hosts classes, work groups and performance geared toward cultural awareness and community development.
The team begins arriving around 6:30. V, C, G and D get to work unloading equipment from V's car (including four P.A. speakers, which will be used for the group's first adventure into quad sound); all is brought upstairs to the large room the Circle will be using for its nearing performance series. R is not far in tow.
B arrives just before 7:00, and the Circle is in full gear-set-up mode. For tonight, they will be working with the amp and mixer in the center of the circle. Also noteworthy: two of the four speakers used for tonight's space probing will be exchanged later in the week for a pair which better matches the classic set.
With V at the mixer, a sound check is underway: some circulations, in various configurations; Growing Circle; Flying Home (with V outside listening on behalf of the neighbors). The room is "live", meaning that sound made in it carries easily and with generous reverbaration. For the circle, perhaps ironically in light of their augmented speaker set-up, this means a minimum of amplification is required.
The plan is to play through some repertoire and improvisations with alternating circlers listening in the center: one piece, then one improvisation and switch. The lights g down, and the set unfolds as follows:
Eye of the Needle, with R in the center;
Askesis > C;
Bach Prelude > D;
Bicycling to Afghanistan > G...
Various comments are offered regarding inter alia the balance of guitars, the dynamic range of the overall sound, and the challenge of playing together in such a "wet" sonic space (not to mention the physical distance the group is unaccustomed to).
A break is called at 8:30, which returns the group to a continuing discussion of certain logistics. One salient concern is the placement of the mixer and the arrangement of cables so as to facilitate maximum elegance and practicality for both Circle and audience. Another is the task of refurbishing the space, which will involve cleaning, spackling, painting, replacing old mirrors, acquiring drapes, etc. The "blurb" V wrote on behalf of the group and to be used for promotion, leads to talk of group identity and group aim, specifically how individual members of said group can be aware of it for themselves.
Back at 9:50.
Some more music...
Where's the Nurse, circulation, Austurias > B
Finally, Opening receives a full-group hearing with its new bass part.
A quick tear down, and end around 10:20.
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