AD Music events
The Bungay Bash
Saturday 9th June 2012
The Fisher Theatre, 10 Broad Street, Bungay, Suffolk, NR35 1EE.
Start: Doors open: 13:00 - end: 22:00 hours
Tickets £12 - available below and the Fisher Theatre Box Office, telephone 01986 897130
Parking for the Theatre; There is parking available on Broad Street in the evenings. There are also pay and display car parks situated close at hand around the town.
Details of location and local B & Bs etc can be found at: www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk
The Kings Head hotel in Bungay will give a discount to those attending the event: www.kingsheadhotel.biz
Nearest Train station is Beccles (7 miles), local buses and taxis available.
A terrific mix of traditional electronic and instrumental music with specially a prepared graphics backdrops and lighting from some of the UKs finest artists. Come and join us for great music and excellent Beer and company at a great venue in the wonderful market town of Bungay.
The acts are, in the Cellar giving 2 performances during intervals, TBA, and on the main stage during the afternoon; Modulator ESP (14:00); Michael Shipway (16:00), and for the evening, Glenn Main (19:30): David Wright (20:30).
The event is being filmed for possible DVD release for the acts performing in the main hall The AD Music stall will be selling CDs and merchandise. So come along and enjoy Bungay, beer, the best in electronica music and summer in East Anglia.
Modulator ESP (Main Hall performance 14:00 - 14:50)
Jez Creek created Modulator ESP in the early 1990s as an outlet to produce improvised electronic music using synthesisers, sequencers and samplers with the emphasis on sound design. Fast forward 20 years and this enduring project is pretty much a staple part of the UK em scene. Jez is personally into a wide range of music, from ambient electronica to thrash metal via all points between, particularly if its weird or progressive. But for his own music, Jez says that it takes him away from the humdrum reality of everyday life and into new worlds of imagination that he can create himself, and his expertly crafted improvised music is testimony to his success at achieving that. Musical influences includes such diverse acts as Air Sculpture, Dream Theater, IQ, Jean Michel Jarre, Radio Massacre International, Redshift, Tangerine Dream and Yes.
Michael Shipway (Main Hall performance 16:00 -17:15)
Michael Shipway first got involved in making music in the late 1970's, playing guitar in a series of punk bands and eventually settled into a pop/rock band playing original and cover material, but by the mid 1980's decided that playing live was just too time consuming. Discovering the 'AI' sampler for the ZX Spectrum, he really got into using technology in a big way and this was quickly replaced by synthesizers and bigger samplers so that by the end of the 1980's Mike had created his first album length set of instrumental electronic music.
The early 1990's saw his first three solo albums released by the now defunct 'Surreal to Real' and a performance at the 'UK Electronica' festival in Sheffield, followed by a series of annual concerts until 1996, at which point he went to the USA for two years.
Upon his return in 1998 and as a complete change from the structured arrangements of music he had previously composed or covered, he decided to try recording lengthy Electronic Music (EM) pieces, improvised with Steve Smith, a long time collaborator in his musical adventures. These sessions went so well that they decided to form a duo, which they named VoLt, and look for interest from record labels. The Dutch based Groove label released their first album and have since released 4 more CD's - the latest CD being a live album. As in the 1990's Michael performs approximately one concert a year.
As well as Mike's writing/recording activities with bands, he has also written and recorded jingles for local radio for both DJ's and advertisers. One of the most interesting areas however, is working with other local musicians and singers and producing their work. He finds the production stage one of the most interesting in the whole process and enjoys taking a track with just voice and guitar from Dave James and arranging it, sometimes with a full band or orchestral production. One of his current projects is a set of film-style orchestral music for a gaming site on the Internet, proving that his eclectic interests, from punk to folk, are always being expanded!
www.facebook.com/michael.shipway
Glenn Main - 19:30 - 20:30
Glenn Main is the Norwegian electronic music composer whose music has been likened to Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis. His first three albums have been critically well received and his 4th "Ripples" is released by AD Music at the 2012 Bungay Bash. Glenn has carved a niche for himself by creating well produced, melodic electronic music that clearly mirrors his influences, yet strikingly retains a totally unique style. Glenn is a prolific live performer in Norway, winning critical acclaim from fans and media alike for his concerts. Glenn will premiere his new album "Ripples" which is released at the event.
David Wright (Main Hall performance 20:45 - 22:15)
David Wright is the keyboard player and composer of space music and electronic instrumental music who founded the AD Music label in 1989 and who co-founded the electronic/prog rock band Code Indigo, the electronic music duo Callisto and the new age project Trinity.
His solo music is melodic, atmospheric and emotive with emphasis on mood and feel. His gently rhythmic style combines piano, synths and multi layered sounds and sometimes incorporate electric and acoustic guitars, violin, percussion, samples and male & female voice textures.
His large catalogue of work is varied, covering "Romanticism", "Space Music" and "Sequenced Electronic" while his music is laced with classical, rock, jazz and cultural influences. During a 23 years musical journey, David has become an established live performer on the em scene and his music has featured on film and TV. Many critics consider his epic 2002 release "Walking with Ghosts" to be his seminal work, but in truth his large cannon includes many critically acclaimed albums (Dreams and Distant Moonlight, Schallwelle Awards (Gr) Best International CD of 2008 - Momentum - NAR (USA) nominated Best Ambient album 2007 and twice nominated best international artist at Schallwelle music awards plus several Schwingenhuan awards nomination between 1995 and 2004. In 2011 his 23rd solo album "In Search of Silence" was released to critical acclaim from fans and media alike.
David has developed his own unique sound and style, that for reference purposes, can been likened to Steve Roach, Kitaro, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield, yet retains an originality that has been rewarded with perennial sales and several prestigious music awards.
David will be showcasing brand new arrangements of music from his extensive catalogue and the set is being filmed for DVD release.
TBA: (Celler): 15:00 - 15:45 / 17:30 - 18:15
Bungay Bash 2011 Fan Comments
I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you and all the musicians who took part in the 'Bungay Bash'. Although few in audience numbers (a great shame) it was generally well appreciated by all that attended on how much hard work had gone in to making the day happen. My friend and I had not attended an Electronic Music live event since the Emma concerts during the 90's, so it was long overdue to once again experiece a great day of music, informality and stage banter. An added bonus is we only live 20 miles away from Bungay so it would be great for us if it became an annual event.
I had an awesome day yesterday @ BB, Thankyou.
Fantastic day, fantastic music, definitely attending The 2012 Bungay Bash!
Good venue, friendly staff, awesome music from start to finish. Congratulations to AD Music for staging such a great event and please lets have another next year!!
We had a great day of music, looking forward to the next bash already.
First of all I would like to say that the Bungay Bash CDr is a great collection of tracks. Some new versions of old favourites and some interesting new tracks in varying styles. A great all round sample of what is on offer at AD Music. Secondly, a massive thank you from myself & my friend Chris to everyone involved in the Bungay Bash. The turnout was really poor - we must find ways of brining in more people. I can't afford to go to the European EM festivals, so I will certainly do all I can to publicise any UK ones.
Chris loved the music; and, like me, really enjoyed the sets by Callisto & Code Indigo. The Code Indigo set was amazing - some great renditions of well loved tracks. But some of my favourites were missing ... maybe next time. Please thank the guitarists - they were both really great. Also, thanks to Neil, Dave, yourself & everyone who made it a wonderful day.
If there will be another Bungay Bash next year then I will certainly be there.
Bungay Bash Photos
Previous Concerts:
AD 2009 Electronic Music Festival
reviewed by Steve Roberts
Many of us who remember the halcyon days of electronic music in the UK will fondly remember Derby. Electronic Music events in the Assembly Rooms. Headlining acts including Mark Shreeve and Klaus Schulze. Was it really 13 years ago? The EMMA organisation dedicated to promoting Electronic Music and Ashley Franklin's 'Soundscapes' show on B.B.C. Radio Derby. I made a small contribution by producing 'Zenith' magazine with my two friends Graham and Ian. Unfortunately, since those heady days things have steadily declined. The electronic music scene has contracted for many reasons but thankfully due to the efforts of David Wright/AD Music and other stalwarts it still endures.
The Guildhall Theatre is a pleasant, intimate, venue and the attendance, although by no means a sell out, was good enough. This was certainly the hard core of Electronic music fans, a few making a long journey from Europe, many just wanting to experience electronic music in a live setting again. The fans are as friendly as always and buying CD's and chatting to the artists. There is a Record Fair in the opposite building and Derby is grey but buzzing with Saturday shoppers and visitors.
Code Indigo with new member Neil Fellows (Geigertek) replacing Robert Fox open the event and play an excellent set. Featuring highlights and medleys from their albums Chill and For Whom the Bell. The set passes too quickly and comes as a timely reminder just how good Code Indigo's music is. The sound throughout the event is very good and despite David having a few difficulties with monitors and technology generally, Code Indigo's unique mixture of electronics, guitars and carefully selected and often evocative samples, is a joy to hear.
After a short interval, Dutch Electronic Music veteran, Ron Boots take to the stage with friends Harold Van Der Heijden and F.D. Project on drums and guitar. Ron has an impressive discography of more than 30 albums to his name is a consummate craftsman of quality electronic music. This is only the second time I have seen him live and he does not disappoint. Heijden's excellent drumming certainly gives the music an extra dimension and makes a change from the usual electronic percussion and with Project's sensitive contributions, Boots plays a first class set. The titles almost seemed to be dismissed by the effervescent Boots who was clearly thoroughly enjoying himself. Boots's multi layered music builds successfully and often surprises with sheer power. Bass sequences and keyboard textures create lush music which delight the audience. Boots and friends play a well deserved and well received encore. The smiles from the stage are matched by the cheers and applause of the audience. Boots's infectious personality matches his talent but he really must wear a clearer message on his T-shirt next time!
A longer interval as Paul and I investigate the taverns of Derby. The beer is good so we will not dwell on the food. After a couple of hours we are back for the evening performance of a unique collaboration. Perhaps Ashley's description of an electronic Music supergroup was a slight
overstatement but we know what he meant. Ian Boddy, David Wright and Cosmic Hoffmann-Hoock are indeed well respected veterans of the scene. Boddy is stage left with an array of keyboards including mini moog, Hoffmann Hoock is centre stage with a variety of guitars, pedals and the digital 'Memotron' and Dave Wright is on the right hand side with his bank of keyboards. The set starts with a track from the album 'Shifting Sands'. Hoofmann Hoock provides often eastern tinged guitar treatments and smiles at
Ian and David and is clearly enjoying himself. Ian Boddy's mini moog solos on the Shifting Sands material
is a highlight. Hoock works hard on his piece from Conundrum and Boddy who plays with great vigour
and humour throughout the set works even harder leading his tracks such as 'Foundry' from Elemental.
However, the highlight from the first set was David's 'Walking with Ghosts'. With added cosmic memotron
the piece is sublime. The second set starts with another improvised piece, provisionally called 'Cosmic Avocados' and sees the three musicians working hard to blend their styles and generally succeeding. More
tracks from Hoffmann Hoock's Conundrum and Boddy' Elemental, but for me the undoubted highlight of
the second set was a blistering piece from 'Shifting Sands' called 'Comet'. The Cosmic Three whip up a
veritable storm and it is these 'tingle moments' that make us love electronic music. The set did have a few
technical hitches and one planned piece 'Endless Terrain' now rechristened 'Endless Pain' had to be abandoned in favour of more improvisation. The glitches did not really bother the audience and speaking
for myself it is a strangely reassuring affirmation that the music is live and kicking. The audience showed its appreciation demanding an encore and a clearly exhausted David Wright gave his thanks at the close. Hoffmann Hoock, grin now wider than ever, rightly pays tribute to David Wright and his AD Music Team
for making it all possible. He is right, it's all about fun.
Hoock and many others hoped that this would become an annual event and I echo these sentiments. Perhaps we will be back at the Guild Hall next year. At the time of writing this I do not
know if the event has even broken even. However, when the dust settles, I hope David will consider doing this again. Perhaps we will see a gradual return to the great days of the nineties. More artists, a big headlining act. Who knows? Finally, I would like to personally thank David and his team for their efforts.
The Electronic Music community is small but it is tenacious and appreciative. Ultimately, it is the music that we love that makes it worthwhile and as it becomes increasingly distant from the mainstream it is up to
us all to keep the flame burning.
Fans Reactions
I just wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed the 2009 AD Music Festival at the Derby Guildhall. I would like to add my thanks to David Wright, his lovely wife and the rest of the team for all the hard work that must have been put in to produce such a well-organised and superb event. (I’ll bet there was lots of fraught activity in the background though to make everything appear to run so smoothly!)
I’ve been an ardent fan of Code Indigo since I saw them premiere For Whom The Bell at the Derby Assembly Rooms. I must be honest and admit that before then I hadn’t actually heard any of the solo albums by David Wright or Robert Fox. Something I’ve been steadily addressing! On that score, I really enjoyed chatting with Elaine and would like to say thanks for recommending Moments in Time. The “Spirit of the Plains” suite is a pure delight.
Anyway, back to the Festival. I always enjoy Code Indigo and this was no exception. David seemed a little stressed over an errant synth, but rest assured it still sounded great! (Being totally honest though, I still think the superb performance of “Chill” premiered in Leicester had the edge – that performance was just so good it would be hard to top).
It was the first time I’d seen Ron Boots, and I thoroughly enjoyed his set of tour-de-force of Schulzian sequencer magic. For me though, the icing on the cake must be seeing David and Ian Boddy on stage together. My congratulations on a tremendous set with all three musicians collaborating so well together. It was obvious that David, Ian and Klaus were really enjoying themselves and this feeling was infectious. It was a truly superb concert. Nice improv at the end too! My only complaint is that the time simply shot by so quickly. Please tell me that this will be released as a live CD (DVD?). If so I’ll put my order in now!
In the meantime Shifting Sands has rarely been out of my CD player. It really “emboddies” (sorry) some of the best qualities from both artists and adds that little bit extra too. A classic partnership. I hope there will be more from David and Ian (and Klaus) in the future.
Thanks again for a superb event and thank you for your time reading this. I do have one last question. Please satisfy my curiosity and explain the purpose of the small white globes that each musician had sitting on their equipment.
Very best wishes,
Dave Griffith
Just thought that I would e-mail you to say thanks for a fantastic day in Derby yesterday (5th September)!!!!! I had a really great day at the event and the music was just fantastic. It was a pleasure to meet both of you and hopefully there will be other such events in the future.
I would also like to say good luck with the gig in Germany next week and also good luck with the upcoming CALLISTO gig, (which Neil mentioned to me)!!!!.
Anyway, once again, thanks for such a great day.
Paul Walker
ust a note to say thank you to all the AD team that put on Saturdays' Festival. It was a most rewarding day (except for my wallet) and my friends whom I've been introducing electronic music in recent months enjoyed the sounds, more than I expected. They're already planning to go with me to Hampshire Jam 8. One said "Shifting Sands" is excellent. [I've not got to it yet in the large pile of CDs bought in Derby.] So we may have found some new recruits.
Malcolm Currie
Ron, Harold and me....we are back...What a weekend...the best I ever had...wonderful people, Derby is a nice town and the concert...SUPERB !!! FD Project
I can only underline what frank has said, we had a superb weekend (even with the 26 hours of traveling) the Venue place was great, the orgainsation fantastic (Thanks Elaine and David!!) we played a very relaxed and IMHO great concert and all other acts where also great.
We had the best time in the Hotel pre and after the festival.
It was all in all a great weekend
Ron
Firstly, bloody fantastic show yesterday .. loved every minute of it! Unfortunately, we had to leave earlier than expected and missed the majority of the evening show, which apparently was awesome. But we’ll definitely be at next year’s festival and we’ll bring along some friends next time too. Kristina loved it and she’s not a natural electronic music fan!
You have my 100% admiration for what you’re trying to achieve with the AD Music project - putting electronic music firmly back on the map!
Chris
Hi Klaus. I would really like to thankyou for being part of the great concert on saturday. It was excellent, I really enjoyed your part and the input you produced in the set. I am new to your music, yes I have heared your name and music but never got round to really get into it. Well, I think this will change now. I brought on Saturday from your stall Space Gems, Electric Trick and Visions of Asia, all excellent music. I do hope you enjoyed Saturday and you can perform again soon. Great sounds you make, take care, all the best ....Paul