exploration

I'm exploring new sounds and textures for an upcoming project of sansula music. There's something about these dirty tones that I really like.

like so...

The sansula is the only instrument I can pick up and music just seems to pour out. For this improvisation I used a delay and the wah wah effect on my little guitar amp. Whenever I listen back to a piece like this, I have to laugh. I have no idea what I did, and I could never play it again, yet there it is.

new release

It's the first day of spring and I have a new release available! to an unknown god is a long accidental sanza piece I have wanted to make for some time. It is only available as a limited edition mini cdr, pictured above. To hear an excerpt and read about the project go here: http://www.ricktarquinio.bandcamp.com/ All proceeds from the album will be donated to relief funds to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Thanks for your support.

eerie windharp

Backyard windharp on a stormy day.

rustlings

bamboo in the wind

inspiration

These patterns left in the grass by the tide are the sort of thing that inspires the music I make. The following accidental sanza piece was created quickly and without intention in the studio and I think comes close to the way nature operates. You can download it for free if you'd like