MEDIA MAIL (2022)

Ken Self  / Keyboard
Dave Busch / 1986 DeLap Holdsworth 5 string acoustic turned cello guitar

This is the completion of our second take of non-instructional improv. Nothing was discussed as to approach or form. We wanted the work to be organic; breathing because they must have their own motion as we begin formation of our “Sound Stories” with the Silence. All songs are of the same approach: one follower listening to one leader until one leader listens to one follower.

• Unrequired Journey
• Angular Blends
• Preschool Improv
• Media Mail
• Distributively Inclusive
• Spirit Shakers Breath
• Spirit Shakers Flight

TOTAL IMPROV OF LAND & SEE (2018)

Ken Self / Nord Stage 88
Dave Busch / “62” Gibson F 25

This is the completion of our first take of non-instructional improv. Nothing was discussed as to approach or form. We wanted the work to be organic; breathing because they must have their own motion as we begin formation of our “Sound Stories” with the Silence. All songs are of the same approach: one follower listening to one leader until one leader listens to one follower.

• Strings that might Break / All things do at times
• Renewable Energy / Life breathing life
• Phonic Salt / Something spoken as a dash of salt
• Cedars of Lebanon / Growth transpires
• Rhinotill / The Natural Cycle
• Oceans for Narwhal / When of the sea completely free

WHEN BUSCH COMES TO SHHUV / EIGHTY (2009)

• Sea of Reeds
  
  15:07 – (MP3 / 128Kbps)
  Done in the key of C, this piece showcases a 32 inch C baritone guitar borrowed from Bill Delap.
• Point Man
  
  15:36 – (MP3 / 128Kbps)
  In the fall of 1998 on the Gaza Strip a soldier intercepted a car bomber saving a busload of children. He and the bomber were killed. This man had a life, a family and was just doing his job and I could find his name nowhere in the media. I wrote this tune for this unknown soldier who risked his life for children and for all others who spend their lives in the service of children. I would specifically like to dedicate this (also when and if I play this tune live) to the memory of my dear friend Mike Walper who I know was a point man to his family and friends. This updated 2009 version is live and Dave is happy to have had Dan play on this track
• Eighty
  
  11:45 – (MP3 / 128Kbps)
  On February 12, 2006 Ken and Dave went in, turned on the studio and captured this tune. On this day Dave’s dad would have turned eighty, hence the name.
• Zak’s Ta(i)l(e)
  
  14:37 – (MP3 / 128Kbps)
  Dave’s fifteen year four legged friend had quite a journey. He was sprung from the Santa Ana Animal Shelter where he was on death row in 1987. He was a wonder dog and companion and this track is a tribute to him. It can be Zack’s tail(as in his being) or Zack’s tale(the story of his journey). Thanks Zack.
• Bent Conflicts
  
  11:45 – (MP3 / 128Kbps)
  The intent of this track was to venture into the atonal world and avoid as much diatonicism as possible. Good Luck!

DEEP SKY (2001)

• Pencil
  
  4:21 – (MP3 / 96Kbps / 3MB)The original lyrics to this tune had the message “Go out and buy a pencil so you can write down what I have to say. Let go be one you’re undoing is undone.” Obviously the title was shortened to “Pencil.”
• Untied Shoes
  
  9:41 – (MP3 / 96Kbps / 6.6MB)My students over the years always pointed out that my shoes were untied all day at work. I would tell them I would tie my shoes at the end of the day. Obviously this got shortened to “Untied Shoes.” The problem still exists.
• Point Man
  
  9:38 – (MP3 / 96Kbps / 6.6MB)In the fall of 1998 on the Gaza Strip a soldier in a jeep intercepted a car bomber saving a busload of children. He and the bomber were killed. This man had a life, a family, and he was just doing his job and I could nowhere find his name in the media. I wrote this tune for this unknown soldier who risked his life for children and for all others who spend their lives in the service of children. I would specifically like to dedicate this (also when and if I play this tune live) to the memory of my dear friend Mike Walper who I know was a point man to his family and friends.

THRESHOLD / AFTER THE SUN (1995)