Last Wednesday I had the chance, yet again, to work with Butch Morris in one of his conductions. This one was the most enjoyable experience I've had with Butch. It was a very small ensemble for conduction: clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, and two double basses, curated by trumpeter Kirk Knuffke. Both the rehearsal and gig were remarkably focused and the aesthetic and sound of the ensemble was a real departure from the previous ensembles I'd been in to play with Butch's system. Everyone, whether they'd worked with Butch or not, were totally into it, and really "got" it.
Another thing that really added to the fun for me was that I have learned (the hard way) that the quality of Butch's system depends entirely on the players giving themselves to it FULLY. If you give anything less the music will suck, and the experience will suck right along with it. But if everyone gives 100% of their creativity, and devotes themselves to trying to be the ultimate cog in Butch's machine, amazing music can follow, and then it becomes great fun. I really hope we do more sometime... Check out Butch's music. He's been at it a long time, and he's really quite amazing.
http://www.conduction.us/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butch_Morris
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