Re: HOW MANY LOOPS DO YOU USE SIMLUTANEOUSLY?

["Krispen Hartung" <khartung@cableone.net>]

Another reason why I have been more conservative with my looping is that I 
really like the vibe and feel of a duo or trio performance, at the most. 
Hence, when I start stacking all sorts of loops and sounding like a full 
fledged "band" or ensemble, for me the performances looses a sense of 
intimacy and authenticity that is conveyed with a solo or duo performance. 
It is just my own opinion (I am not provoking debate here, not do I have 
the 
time)  that in freely improvised music, a wall of sound created by a 
single 
artist makes their musical personality very opaque and un-identifiable.

Albeit, for artists who have not mastered their instruments, who are 
intermediate players, and are not comfortable playing solo or looping with 
just one accompanying loop, creating a wall of sound with loops, based on 
more basic and easily executable parts, is an relatively easy way for them 
to sound "better" or more accomplished than they really are. I know this 
will likely irritate or offend some beginner loopers, but it's the fact of 
the matter, and something looping technology has allowed. No one may admit 
it on the list here, but I've talked about this in private with many of 
the 
accomplished loopers on this list, and all agree on this point. It is like 
recording in the studio with multiple tracks and punching in and out to 
get 
one part right, vs. being able to play it flawlessly from beginning to end 
at the start.  I find that in looping, this can occur in real time, and I 
have done it myself in the past.  It is not the type of performance that I 
am most proud of or one that I would use to exemplify my ability as a 
performing artist. It is convenient for the sake or producing a musical 
equivalent of "fast food" at a gig, but not French or American cuisine. :)

Kris

----- Original Message ----- 



> Lately, I have been using only one loop.  The reason is that I have been 
> trying to focus on more playing vs. looping (as a crutch for filling up 
> space and sounding better than I really am as a real time non-looping 
>solo 
> artist). I find that one well executed and interesting  loop is more 
>than 
> enough to serve as a backdrop to a creative and emotive dialogue 
>expressed 
> via the guitar.
>
> Kris
>