Cold Reading Trio constructs electro-acoustic sonic environments featuring interactive improvisation and real-time sampling of live instruments. Accordion, computer and drums produce the main sound sources, however other musical instruments, spoken text, vocalizations, and found objects are occasionally employed. Even sounds from the performance space, the introduction of the band members, or banter in-between pieces can become integrated into the music through live sampling, creating a situation where it is not always clear what is or is not part of the musical performance. The live instruments react to the samples and the samples react to the live instruments through compositional morphing creating a shifting palette of sound that often makes it difficult to identify a sound’s source.

Each time Cold Reading Trio performs, the experience is different. At a typical performance, a piece might feature a classical romantic accordion melody in duet with a sampled version of itself juxtaposed against a gurgling low grumble of acoustic drums, while the next might incorporate pointillistic stabs of accordion and drums against a processed cat’s purring. At another show, the accordionist might improvise off of reading a poem as the drums and computer provide musical commentary. Sometimes the music develops quickly, moving through many contrasting textures and sometimes it develops very slowly and spaciously, exploring one compositional idea for a long time.

******************
Christian Pincock
laptop computer, valve trombone

Since he was four years old, Christian Pincock has been recording and reconfiguring sounds. At first using a Fisher-Price battery-powered tape recorder to tell stories using found sounds, then composing electro-acoustic pieces for sequencer, and now programming and improvising with a map/msp musical instrument on his powerbook, Christian continues to integrate technology. Along the way, he has received degrees from New England Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music where he studied jazz and composition with many great teachers including Bob Brookmeyer and David Taylor. His recent work with Cold Reading Trio is about capturing material from other players during an improvisation and recombining and modifying that material to create his contribution to the group.


John O’Brien: percussion

John O'Brien has studied symphonic music and jazz drumming with teachers including James Neglia, Joe Morello, John Riley, Andrew Cyrille, and Gerry Hemingway. He received a degree from the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program in 2001 and continues to work as a percussionist, composer, and improviser in a wide variety of projects. In his work with Cold Reading Trio, he seeks to expand the sonic possibilities of the traditional drum kit.

Evan Mazunik
accordion, keyboards

Evan Mazunik started playing the piano for hand-eye coordination and never looked back. Years later, his uncle dropped off an accordion, and he soon realized that the accordion was a much lighter instrument. His most recent discovery has been Soundpainting, a sign language for live composition. In addition to his work with this trio, he explores live composition with the New York Soundpainting Orchestra.