Ahead of this week’s concerts of his music in Belfast and Dublin Ed Bennett answers some questions about himself, his music and his band Decibel.
What is the last book you read?
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It too me a few years to get to this one but it’s scary and potentially coming true in this country!
Which piece(s) of music have most effected you personally? (and how)
Many, many things, too many to mention here but there has certainly been music that has left a big impression at certain points in my life…the big Andriessen works De Staat, De Tijd etc, Feldman’s Coptic Light, the music of Luc Ferrari, a lot of improvised music, songwriters, Bjork, Joni Mitchell…ah this is too difficult, come around and look at my record collection.
What wouldn’t you do without?
The company of all the people who make my life interesting and my record collection.
Which is your favourite own work?
This changes and I’m reluctant to pick one out but I’m fond of Dzama Stories, a large energetic work for improviser and amplified ensemble (with saxophonist Paul Dunmall) and at the other end of the spectrum Slow Down, a very reduced and quiet work for piano trio.
Describe your ensemble Decibel
Big, noisy, quiet, fast, slow, rhythmic and good looking.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
When it comes to developing as an artist it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Dates
Saturday 7th November – Belfast
Tuesday 10th November – Birmingham
Tags: Decibel, Ed Bennett, Slow Down