Inside the edges (2008)
For 1 solo voice, 1 laptop, cajon, flute, and piano.
Optional use of performers can be performed as a solo or with each or all of the above instruments. Also can be performed with live video images of the different haikus.

Info/Program Note: 
Written in 2008 Inside the edges represents a years worth of seasonal recordings using four different haikus. It is a piece based on four separate events each occurring in a different season of a year starting with Winter. The poetry form of Japanese Haiku was used as the lyrical basis because of they are traditionally written about the seasons. It was recorded and written over the year with images and video footage also taken of each event that inspired the haiku’s.

Each of the four movements are built around recorded sounds found in the house and garden. They include a metal radiator, flute, piano, cajon, a paving slab, cutlery and voice, each manipulated by being electronically treated or having the sound transposed to a different pitch then effected with reverb and delay. The central pre recorded track guides the piece live. In performance the vocalist responds to the recorded electronic track using each of the haikus. After the third movement the seasons based on the home are broken by the imposing village that surrounds it. A choir of female voices pour out the frustration of having a great home in the wrong place. The solo vocalist joining with the choir. The piece concludes with Autumn and from the joy experienced in the earlier seasons in the year, there is a realization of the problems of the location of the home.

Lyrics:

Winter
Snow holes, ginger paws

Cutting through the fluffy ice

Dancing circles fly.



Spring

Spring rain, bloated sky

A full bellied explosion
Caresses our home.



Summer

Open space, grey cloud

Summer blossoms fragrant scent
 Dispersing near love.


Imposing Village
Senses crawl along, black fears rise


Autumn

The air throws it's chilly bite to my face,

I don't want to go outside.

This version is the electric backing track for the live performance.