As the auditorium lights diminished our focus was immediately locked in to an illuminated JakoJako, aka Sibel Koçer, sitting at the modular synthesiser, headphones on, zoned in and calmness personified. It was fascinating to see the performer-composer perpetually adjusting the various sound modules. Like a micro electronic orchestra with these modules (instrumental tools): sliders - allowing pitches to slide between notes like glissando in string instruments; switches - kind of router selection circuits (put me in mind of my Hornby train set functions), panels - eg voice panel and patch cables - literally cables connecting sections of the synthesiser, such as oscillators. OK this may be a bit of a long-winded window into the tech side, but I think it is important to describe the ‘interconnectivity’, which is the core of JakoJako’s performance and compositional journey. We see it as well as listen to it; the performance is, in its own way, musical theatre.
The performance began with a kind of distorted electronic vocal prologue which brought to mind mildly ominous instructions from Tolkien’s Mordor. Little did I know at the time that Sauron would indeed become manifest later that night. Although this was distinct and effective, it was not really used again which seemed a pity. The main body of the performance was one of modulating layers of slowly unfolding sounds. I loved the melodic simplicity, familiar electronic transformations for example pizzicato strings, echoes of the Caribbean steelpan drums. What might be termed ostinato figures in classical terminology were used throughout; beautiful melodic loops, sometimes syncopated, always rhythmically transforming. Quite often they would surface, for want of a better term, from the depths of a ‘harmonic’ sound world into prominence. These looping melodies had a relaxing timeless quality.
I think the term minimalism is a good one to describe the music and just maybe the influence of Philip Glass or Steve Reich can be felt. But it is the continual evolution or variation of these elements which makes the music so enriching. There was also a sense of fun.
The overall impression was of beautifully crafted interconnecting, layering musical moments to create a patchwork quilt of sound; musical clouds drifting by. Quite meditative, hypnotic and very distinct.
This review is published at charleshutchpress.co.uk
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