In Search of The Heart Treasure

The Performers

Thanks to Gasworks management, Robert Hughes and Shona Johnson, who donated the theatre and all its facilities for these events.

Gasworks theatre is set in Gasworks Arts Park, within walking distance of the beach, at Albert Park in Melbourne. The theatre is well known for its exhibitions of sculpture, photography and, of course, its regular program of theatrical presentations.

Thanks to all participants for helping to create such positively-charged and memorable experiences.

How to buy In Search of The Heart Treasure

In Search of The Heart Treasure is an ensemble performance of music created in the moment. The sleeve notes from the compact disc recording of the first concert at Gasworks in July 2001 provide a glimpse of what this music involves.

"The ideal in this type of music making is to have two or more musicians create music spontaneously without any prior discussion or preparation. This is not always possible, particularly when eight musicians are involved, some of whom were new to the experience.

This recording comes very close to the ideal in that the preparations for each composition were minimal. An example of the preparation is as follows. In track 3, More Grace, the bass and the electric guitar start playing. Voice and drums enter at a later stage. That's it.. All other elements in that track are spontaneous.

It often seems as though the musicians know in advance where the music is going. In fact they don't even know when or how it is going to end. Consequently many of the endings tend to fade out as the music comes to a close.

From left to right: Jarek Czechowicz, Peter Haydon, David James, Gregory Moulatlet (drums), Michael Livett (standing), Philip Carson Crickmore, Ria Soemardjo, Anne Norman

A few rehearsals were arranged before the concert so that the musicians could meet socially and experiment with new ideas. Some of the ideas that emerged at the rehearsals reappeared in concert in new and unexpected ways.

The creation of this music could be attributed to coincidence or quick thinking. There is also an element of intuition and a lot of positive attitude. Whatever the explanation, this is a wonderful way of making music."

Another ideal of this music is to maintain a meditative or contemplative frame of mind while playing. This encourages the mind to be receptive to subtle changes that occur in the music. Musicians are not obliged to take this approach. They are free to play and contribute in any way that is comfortable for them. The most important consideration is that the creative environment be a mutually supportive one. The physical environment should also be conducive in so much as it provides peaceful and reasonably spacious surroundings.

Those who would like to be kept informed of future events are encouraged to leave their e-mail address. Information is only sent in relation to specific events or to notify of newly released recordings.

As well as containing enjoyable music the recording is particularly instructive to students of improvisation.

The Musicians

Jarek Czechowicz

Jarek first explored the guitar in his early teens. This led to a study of electronic music with Australian composer Felix Werder. He later travelled to Poland for private tuition with Witold Rudzinski, Senior Professor of composition at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. Jarek's focus has been on the creation of music in the moment of performance. Some of this music has been captured on three compact discs titled Once, Gift and You Are Here. More info

Anne Norman

Anne took up the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) in 1986 while living in Japan. Her teacher was Japan's National Treasure, Yamaguchi Goro. She also studied with the Grand Master Tajima Tadashi. Anne is a member of the ensemble Jouissance and Artistic Coordinator of Nadoya Music and Dance Company. Anne holds a Masters degree in Ethnomusicology, a Bachelor of Music degree and a Diploma of Education. She is currently planning a tour with acclaimed harpsichordist Peter Hagen.

David James

David is a self-taught flautist whose interests include popular music and jazz, particularly the music of Miles Davis. He has performed for many years in big bands, Brazilian-jazz groups and various duets. David also holds a PhD in English literature. He is currently setting selected works of Shakespeare in a jazz context. David has also written many music critiques that have been published widely in Australian national press.

Peter Haydon

Peter studied music and literature at the University of Melbourne. He majored in voice and composition. Peter is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, woodwinds, keyboards and percussion. Peter has been involved in art rock, jazz, cover bands, bush bands and free improvisation ensembles. He has written scores for radio and film and has produced, arranged and performed on several albums. He is currently recording an album of piano improvisations.

Michael Livett

Michael is a multi-instrumentalist who uses his voice in a boldly instrumental manner. Michael brings a unique performance style to the Didgeridoo, Vietnamese zither, guitar, hand drums and tuned percussion. His music effortlessly crosses ethnic and stylistic boundaries. Michaels most recent recording is a CD with Anne Norman titled 'Driftwood'.

Ria Soemardjo

Ria sings as a soloist and chorister with the Melbourne Bulgarian Womens Choir, 'Petrunka'. She studied traditional Javanese music on a grant from the Ian Potter Cultural Trust and performs with the Melbourne Community Gamelon. Ria is also a student of fine art and is currently completing her honours year in textile art.

Philip Carson Crickmore

Philip is a master craftsman and he is one of Australia's few professional guitar makers. He provides regular workshops and courses on the art of guitar making, particularly acoustic, classical and jazz arch-top guitars. Philip's work was recently featured on ABC TV The Arts Show.

Gregory Moulatlet

Gregory is a self-taught percussionist and drummer who started his musical journey with the blues and then jazz fusion. His early influences included the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Billy Cobhan. His current intersts cover a broad spectrum of modern jazz styles.

Mind and Matter

A concert of music inspired by the intersection of science and spirituality

This live concert recording demonstrates the creative and cooperative powers of the human spirit as eight musicians create music in the moment of performance.

Old and New

Ancient instruments such as the didgeridoo, vietnamese zither, shakuhachi, voice and percussion are gently counterpointed by electric guitar and electric bass and balanced with acoustic guitar, saxophone and alto flute

Drawing on inspirations ranging from the Rig Veda to Chaos Theory, the musicians set out on a risky but rewarding adventure.

From the CD sleeve

There is a kind of music which is heard so deeply that it ceases to be heard at all. You yourself become the tune. N. Hasluck