Electric Junkyard Gamelan, led by Terry Dame, comes to The Stone, a not-for-profit performance space dedicated to the experimental and avant-garde on July 5 for two sets at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Electric Junkyard Gamelan plays original music on invented instruments and objects. With percussion instruments fashioned from old farm equipment, turntable platters, saw blades and truck springs, its five musicians play haunting modal melodies that float over funky bass lines and interlocking danceable rhythms.
Formed in 1998 by composer, multi-instrumentalist and instrument builder Terry Dame, Electric Junkyard Gamelan is a five-piece ensemble that performs original compositions on sculpturally striking instruments invented by Ms. Dame. Its style is inspired by traditional Gamelan music of Indonesia but is shaped by the sensibility and humor of this unique composer.
Time Out New York wrote, “Terry Dame is one of those eccentric musicians for whom composing isn’t enough, she has to create new instruments as well. A downtown fixture.”
Today the group performs on Dame’s innovative instruments such as the Rubarp and Big Barp (electric rubber band harps), the Sitello (an electric cello/sitar combo), the Terraphone (copper pipe horn), the Clayrimba (a three octave tuned clay pot “marimba”) and an arsenal of percussion instruments fashioned from old farm equipment, turntable platters, saw blades, and truck springs. The result is a super original sound with haunting melodies, funky bass lines and layers of danceable interlocking rhythms that ride over thrilling clashes of metal on metal and colorful harmonic washes. Audiences are transfixed by the beauty of the unusual collection of instruments on stage and the amazing array of carefully placed sounds they produce.
EJYG has been performing together since 1998. They released their self-titled debut cd in 2002 and have just finished a live DVD to be released in the fall of 2006. The highly adaptable group has performed at every type of venue possible from prestigious art centers (Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and the Kitchen in New York City) to rock clubs (The Knitting Factory and CBGB’s) to underground music parties and outdoor festivals.
Electric Junkyard Gamelan plays Wednesday, July 5: 8pm and 10pm. The Stone, Avenue C and 2nd Street, Manhattan. Tickets are $10 per set; students 13 to 19 are admitted for half price; children 12 and under are free. There is no advance ticketing for this event. Tickets are sold at the door; cash only. For further information, visit www.thestonenyc.com.
