The Phoenix by Steven Mackey (mockup with live guitar)
In preparation for the world premiere of PRISM Quartet's GUITAR HEROES in June, we just received the first of three deliveries. Sheet music, that is, for The Phoenix, a new work for PRISM by and with the incomparable composer/electric guitarist Steven Mackey (deliveries from Leyla McCalla and Rez Abbasi are coming soon).
When composers deliver new commissions, they often provide computer generated mockups which are notoriously square sounding, with fake (midi or sampled) instruments. Even so, mockups are a valuable reference for performing artists to learn never-before-played music.
Steve created his own mockup, but he took it to the next level by recording himself playing his actual electric guitar over the fake saxes. Even with the computerized saxes, the piece sounds amazing. With Steve's permission, we thought we'd share a snippet of the mockup with you!
Be sure to get your tickets soon to hear Steve with PRISM's real saxes - GUITAR HEROES is sure to sell out. Concert info at www.prismquartet.com
Matt, Tim, Zach, and Taimur