This project began for me as a sonic experiment, a chance to explore the dynamic possibilities of three of my favorite instruments, the electric guitar, electric bass, and contemporary drum set. In order for the musicians to not feel hemmed in, and to encourage an exploration of what these instruments are capable of, we made the decision to record with out any preconceived ideas regarding musical form or tradition (we often had the lights out in the studio to facilitate our quest for as complete an improvisational experience as was possible). This recording is not easy listening or dinner music, but we had a blast creating it and hope you enjoy it as well. Jerry Kalaf Free improvisation has always been a big part of playing bass for me. Creating this music with Jerry and Barry has been effortless and rewarding. We have listened with open ears, trusted each other, and we have gone where the music has taken us. Our varied influences, musical taste, styles, and vocabularies have intersected in unexpected and gratifying ways. This music is all as it was recorded in the moment. No overdubs. No blemishes disguised. As honest as it can be.  Carl Sealove The music of Stretch came about with a phone call from drummer Jerry Kalaf asking if I’d like to play guitar with him over at his studio, for an unrehearsed , on the spot, spontaneous improv session. After a few sessions, we thought it would be great to have another instrument, adding Carl Sealove (bass). Stretch is a shared musical consciousness of myself, Sealove and Kalaf. My set up for guitar (Stratocaster) in the studio was just a few pedals into a Fender Princeton Reverb amp (1974). I am using a TC Electronics looper pedal and also a Strymon Timeline pedal as a looper for the sound. Some of the recordings also involved taking both outputs of the Timeline for recording, one to the amp and one directly to the board. We played everything live so there are no overdubs on these recordings. It’s been an incredible experience playing music with Carl Sealove  and Jerry Kalaf as we invite you to our jam.  Barry Coates Recorded at Studio J, Studio City, CA Mixed by Barry Coates and Jerry Kalaf at Plus Shut-Up Studio, Valley Glen, CA Mastered by Jerry Kalaf at Studio J, Studio City, CA Carl Sealove endorses DR Handmade Strings Barry Coates endorses GHS Strings