Racer Session #459 | Jason McGill | February 17, 2019

Greetings, Racers!

Thanks to all the folks who trudged out to the Session lasts Sunday in the snow! We were happy to have you with us. This week we’re back to regularly scheduled improvisations and hangs. In particular, we’ll be starting off the session with an opening set from our dear friend Jason McGill.

Jason is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist, often found at Racer with saxophones, guitars, or chairs as his tools. This Sunday, he will be presenting a solo for guitar on the occasion of his birthday. This is a great opportunity to come out and support one of Racer’s biggest supporters, and gather after being cooped up for far too long from the inclement weather. Read on for words from Jason, and then swing by this Sunday at 8pm for the set and session!

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“On this weekend of my 47th birthday, I will present a 47-minute set of solo electric guitar, focusing on what I call "small areas" of music. Over the past many years I've been increasingly interested in the fine details of sound, especially as they relate to cognition and emotion. I like to find small sonic areas to hang out in, and just listen and explore what comes up in my mind. Sometimes it's relaxing, while other times it's agitating. Often it's simply neutral. (From a purely meditative standpoint, all three are equally valid experiences.) At this point in my life I have made music for over 30 years, and I've finally found my most satisfying and enduring path -- instead of "making it big," I want to make it small.

For the open improvisations following my performance, I encourage players to also focus on small areas of musical ideas. That might mean stretching out one phrase or sound a little bit longer than you might normally do. Or playing less and listening more. Or playing for a shorter duration. Or for a longer duration. Or playing solo, or with smaller groupings. Or ignoring these suggestions.”