Bonescape Music for three trombones and electronics by Rodney Oakes OGOGO Trombones: George McMullen, Lane More, & Rodney Oakes From 2007 to January 2011, George McMullen, Lane More, and Rod Oakes were teaching at Los Angeles Harbor College. Taking advantage of this situation they formed OGOGO Bones. During this time they presented a number of concerts that consisted of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music arranged for three trombones, along with a new work by Rod Oakes, and some straight ahead jazz. For the new work and the jazz a rhythm section was added. These musically eclectic programs worked well for audiences. For most of the three years, the rhythm section centered around guitarist igor. In the early 1990s, igor and Oakes formed an group that they called OGOGO. This group specialized in a variety of approaches to improvised music. The shape of OGOGO changed over the years and adapted itself to the changing musical environment. Because this trombone trio utilized the enormous talents of igor, and because the performances always were influenced by igor’s participation, the name OGOGO Bones was used. Unfortunately, igor passed away in September, 2010. The original intention was to include his performance on this CD. A sample of his performance of a song by Oakes, “Trust a Daydream,” is heard as the introduction and ending in Elegy For igor. Rodney Oakes usually describes himself as a composer who happens to play trombone. Oakes works primarily in the medium of electro-acoustic music. All the works on this CD were composed by Oakes and first performed on these concerts. For the CD the rhythm section was replaced with an electro-acoustic accompaniment. The result is a CD that explores the timbre of three trombones combined with electronics. All three of these musicians are excellent improvisers with their own individual styles. McMullen utilizes electronics with his improvisation, using various effects processors. Oakes uses what he calls a MIDI trombone. Using a contact microphone, a pitch-to-MIDI converter, Oakes uses his trombone to control software synthesizers. More does not use electronics in his performances. Two of the works need explanation. Elegy for igor was composed for a concert dedicated to igor. Machaut Variations grew out of the group’s performances of Medieval and Renaissance music. OGOGO bones performed de Toutes Flour Ballade by Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300 – April 1377). The Variations presented here adds an electronic accompaniment and improvisation. The remaining works, Bonescape, Prelude for 3 Buccinas, Rondeau and Fanfare are all incidental pieces that combine composed passages, an electronic accompaniment, and improvisation. Rodney Oakes earned BA and MA degrees in music form San Diego State University, and a DMA from USC. Oakes taught electronic music and humanities at Los Angeles Harbor College where he currently is an Emeritus Professor. He also teaches humanities at the California State University at Dominguez Hills. His numerous awards include a Rockefeller Grant; an NEA grant; a Fulbright Senior Lectureship to the Academy of Music in Krakow, Poland; and ASCAP Standard Awards for every year since 1987. Oakes was the founding editor of Journal SEAMUS. Oakes has pioneered the use of the trombone combined with electronic devices. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe. In addition, he performs with numerous Los Angles jazz ensembles. Oakes' works are available on the Cambria, Living Music, iii Records and Innova labels. His Music for the MIDI Trombone and Bone of Contention, have received excellent reviews. George McMullen has been a sought after professional trombonist for over twenty years. In that time he has played with a tremendous variety of musicians and artists in Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin Pop, and Latin Jazz. As a studio musician he also has a well established recording history within the film, television, and record industries. Commercial successes notwithstanding, George also has also enjoyed a reputation as an improviser in the new music and art music traditions, where he has recorded and performed with such illustrious musicians/composers as; Charlie Haden, Vinny Golia, James Newton, George Lewis, Nels Cline, Alex Cline and Bruce Fowler, to name just a few. As an educator, George has served on the faculty at University of California, Irvine, and currently serves at Los Angeles Harbor College as Director of the Studio Jazz Band. Lane Moore, a native of Canberra, Australia was a member of the Los Angeles Harbor College Music department as adjunct faculty and music instructional assistant from 2006 until January 2011. His focus on trombone performance has led to performances at venues such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, CBGB's (New York City) and Manly Jazz Festival (Sydney). As a conductor (Master of Music - Conducting, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) he has performed as guest conductor with ensembles such as the Columbia University Wind Ensemble (New York City), the Peninsula Symphonic Winds (Los Angeles) and the South Canberra Youth Wind Orchestra (conductor - two years). Now residing with his family in Canberra, Australia, he wishes to extend thanks to the many wonderful friends he has made at Harbor College, and in particular to the opportunity given on this album to work alongside friends and colleagues; Rod Oakes, George McMullen and Brian Daugherty - thanks guys for the many musical moments!!" Credits: Thanks to: Brian Duagherty for his recording talents, Vinny Golia for his guidance, Wayne Peet for his mixing and mastering skills, Krystyna Oakes for her emotional support, and to all the audiences who helped us better understand our music.