Symbiosis Syndicate
by Steve Giordano
In an ever changing multicultural world, music is everywhere - fulfilling the
needs of people all over the world serving many purposes. More than ever,
however, the opportunity to be exposed to the music of many many
cultures is at our fingertips. For musicians, the influence of all this music
can resonate in our brain and seep into our creativity and become an
indirect part of our voice.
Other than MOVIE/TV/THEATER soundtracks which can be abstract and
designed to enhance a pre-written storyline, music alone tells it’s own story
or invites some sort of participation. Songs get copy written, and scored for
reproduction.
The Music of Symbiosis
This music has to be in a different category than the above descriptions.
It does not tell a specific story nor give a certain message. It can’t be
scored or ever recreated other than playing a recording again. It’s sole
purpose is to take the listener on their own personal journey, not predicting
where it will take them, or how and when it will end. This journey also
includes the musicians who made this music because we don’t know
ourselves who is playing what most of the time, or what will happen
thematically, harmonically, or rhythmically. (unless we listen back
immediately)
About the Musicians
As a jazz musician, all my musical life my focus and development has
been on listening. Listening to myself as I improvise, listening to the
musicians I am making music with, listening to recordings of many other
musicians, not only playing jazz, but classical composers, Brazilian
composers, impressionistic composers, avant garde composers, Electronic
composers, and since the internet, many cultural musics – “taking in” what
resonates with me and ignoring what doesn’t. The criteria for Symbiosis
Syndicate, a project in development for almost 3 decades, are musicians
who can play what they hear and who are great listeners. Even though this
is not “jazz” (improvisation over a structured form) these are improvised,
musically interactive compositions. Hence, ego-less jazz musicians have
made the best combinations for the Symbiosis Syndicate project over the
years. Nothing is planned. Nothing is forced. No one has a sense of
responsibility to “come in”. We are on our spontaneous musical journey and
love this world.
The Instruments
Our instruments are a blend of electronic and traditional . Keeping up
with technology the synthesizers/samplers and home recording equipment
has evolved from analog tape to digital format.
The Process
Our ears are wide open, our sensitivity is effected by everything, we all
have one common goal: spontaneous musical composition. We
meditate, someone starts a musical idea, another will chime in IF he feels
so compelled. The piece is in development. For me, this is one of the
greatest musical experiences I could ever have: A composition unfolding
with no plan, no form, pure sensitivity. Many influences, emotions – humor,
beauty, intrigue.
The Audience
What’s in it for the audience? We hope a lot. To find new ways
to listen to music at certain times would be worthwhile. Here are
some suggestions from me personally:
1) Driving in a car could work because the music doesn’t
demand a lot of energy. It just blends in with the scenery.
2) Watching space graphics or playing space games for
atmosphere
3) Headphones while lying in bed
4) Watching computer generated graphics (notice how the mind
makes it fit)
5) If you’re a film maker, computer game designer, dance
choreographer, ETC edit any Symbiosis piece to suit your
needs. Just mention Symbiosis Syndicate in the credits
The Musicians
Over the years, there have been a handful of contributors to the makeup
of Symbiosis Syndicate. We have a vast library of Symbiosis compositions
because of it’s longevity. Here is a list of names and their instruments:
Steve Giordano – guitar, piano, synthesizers
John Swana – trumpet, EVI (synthesizer controller), trombone
Bob Meashey – trumpet, flugle horn, synthesizers
Joe Mullen – drums, percussion
John Mosemann – drums, percussion, synthesizers
Gavin McCulley – drums, percussion
Claudio De Pujadas – drums, percussion
Peter Cobb – alto sax
Tony Micelli – vibraphone, synthesizers
Joe Nero – drums, percussion
Tony Perillo – cello
Chris Taylor – piano, synthesizers