Bringing together some of the most dynamic young British artists, Powerplant explores hi-octane percussion-led music with an electronic sound and strong visual performance. Led by percussionist Joby Burgess, the group has given sell out performances at The Purcell Room, Corsham Festival, Aldeburgh Festival and was one of the few ensembles to perform at Steve Reich's Barbican birthday celebrations 'Phases', in 2006.
At the heart of the Powerplant sound is the percussion and live electronics duo of sound designer, Matthew Fairclough and Joby’s space-aged xylosynth. An experimental and challenging repertoire fuses their own work and improvisations, alongside the very best in new British contemporary classical music and the hypnotic rhythms of Steve Reich.
Powerplant’s set of Kraftwerk classics, arranged by Joby and composer, Ben Foster features the innovative and award winning Elysian Quartet, in a heady mix of live-sampling, lush strings and a little 80’s chic. As with many of Powerplant’s performances this set incorporates the work of Bristol based visual artist Kathy Hinde, who mixes specially created film, vintage computer imagery and live visuals.
From September 2006-April 2007 Powerplant received an ‘Item’ research grant from the Arts council of England to create new work and form new collaborations, hosted by FACT ‘the Foundation for Arts & Creative Technology’, in Liverpool. Joby endorses and was closely involved in developing the Mark 6 xylosynth by Leicester based Wernick musical instruments, Powerplant is generously supported by the PRS Foundation.
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'Electric Counterpoint had a slouching, sun-filled energy; like a sudden breath of California from this quintessential New York composer.'
The Daily Telegraph
'No strangers to the weirder reaches of electronica, the steely Teutonic shimmies of Kraftwerk at their best take on a whole new dimension in such capable hands.'
The Metro, London
EVENTS in 2007
with Powerplant
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