The SAXAFONE
The Saxafone is an instrument that augments a saxophone, transforming it into a touch interface. With the help of custom hard and software, the saxafone generates synthesized sax sounds which a performer manipulates exclusively by touching the instrument. I designed it as a way to reclaim the sax, which had been my first and main instrument until health issues gradually caused me to abandon it. The ache of losing one of my methods for communicating musically was further amplified by my experiences with the experimental saxophonist community in Los Angeles. Specifically, the numerous saxophone ensemble performances I both attended and organized while there. While I was no longer able to participate in the traditional way, I set out to harness my proficiency with technology to devise a new saxophone that wouldn’t require the use of my lungs.
“The Invention of the Saxophone” was released on June 6, 2022 on Surface World and marked my return to saxophone ensemble work with the assistance of the Saxafone. This album also features saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi, whose talent inspired the ache that led me to making this instrument, and whose support was hugely important as I worked on it.
The album was initially released with an art book that served as part schematic, part score, part explanation. It has since sold out, so I’ve included the book below for all to view. Enjoy!
ART BOOK
PRESS
Review on Avant Music News
Review in Acid Test 2022 by Miles Bowe
Review of the album from The Wire’s June Issue.
Performances and Demonstrations
An excerpt from the recording of the final track of “The Invention of the Saxophone”, The Bell. Recorded at Coaxial Arts in Los Angeles
Excerpts from my solo performance at Art Cake in NYC as a part of the Surface World label roster showcase:
Video from the debute of the Saxafone at Redcat in Los Angeles
This is a video demonstrating the Saxafone in action.
A video from the earliest performance of the Saxafone, and the event that Patrick Shiroishi found out about this project. At his insistence we did a duet which ultimately inspired the album. Thanks to betalevel in Los Angeles for inviting us.
Album Release Teasers
In preparation for the release of The Invention of the Saxophone, I made two animated teaser trailers using material I created for the art book. Watch here:
PHOTOS
