Ngelo by Mikkel Ploug & Lars Graugaard

[clang017]

All tracks on the release are edited improvisations that provide a listening experience that combines the liveliness of the moment with a concise structure, either with a well-defined atmosphere or of a particular compositional aim.

The three ballad-style tracks are highly interactive with Lars’ computer generating all accompaniment through realtime analysis of the guitar, including bass-lines and the various counterpoints. A second group of recordings of which only two are included in the final release, center on rhythms. They are made up of parallel, extended periodicities of similar pulsation and different length that regularly coincide, but never all at once. This produces a flexible, and attractive yet slightly enigmatic and unsettling groove that continuously morphs without ever losing its grounding.

Mikkel Ploug resorts to some very attractive melodic playing that convincingly combines with the abstract and evocative synthetic world of Lars Graugaard’s self-programmed computer. The album title is a reference to the distinct African colouring that is easily appreciated within the modern guise of beats, chords and textures.

BIOS
Denmark's Lars Graugaard is a prolific and chameleon-like pioneer who moves with ease between several musical areas. His background lies in a mix of musical styles including classical and contemporary. Holding a MA in music performance and a PhD in interactive music allows him a unique and innovative take on electronic music. Lars has worked with a wide range of artists in jazz and beyond and is a multiple recipient of artist grants. At this moment he focuses his performing energies on realtime interaction in re-imagining the possibilities of a 21st century hybrid of jazz, techno, contemporary and improvised musical forms.

Danish guitarist and composer Mikkel Ploug has performed all over Europe with his bands Mikkel Ploug Group and Equilibrium. He has recorded three albums for Spanish label “Fresh Sounds New Talent” and one for Canadian label Songlines Recordings. Mikkel works as a sideman in Sean Carpio's Wowos and for NYC alto player Pete Robbins Transatlantic and has appeared as an opening act for Wayne Shorter. Mikkel received received a Master Degree from the Royal Conservatory of Den Haag in 2005, awarded a distinction for his original compositions.

The Denmark-based clang label and booking agency was initiated January 2013. Its most important purpose is take adventurous music to a wider community.

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