MASS for the People
Jennifer Morgan
Issue date: 10/12/05 Section: News
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"I loved it. The originality was incredible," Dr. Craig Ferrin, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at SLCC, said.
It was the first time MASS Ensemble performed in an amphitheatre.
"It's a nice venue, nice campus, very relaxed," said MASS founder Bill Close. Based on audience reaction, there's little doubt anyone was disappointed. The wind and rain stayed away while temperatures dipped below 65 degrees. However, the group from California kept people moving so they didn't notice.
All 1000 tickets for the free concert were passed out. The amphitheatre can accommodate 1000, but was less than half full. Even though tickets normally cost around $30, there still weren't many in attendance.
The concert consisted of two sets with a brief intermission in between. The group played songs from two of their CDs: "Golden Sun" and "Nexus." All of the members write songs for the ensemble. Some of the songs performed haven't been recorded yet.
The music can't be pigeon-holed into a single genre. It has a new-age feel, but some songs sounded classical and one was distinctly rock.
"It definitely has a lot of Eastern influence," Dr. Ferrin said. MASS Ensemble has a sound all its own. They use instruments that aren't found anywhere else.
Bill Close, who is also the artistic director, designed all of the non-traditional instruments. The Earth Harp (one of seven) consisted of 16 brass strings connected to the towers around the amphitheatre.
Close says his inspiration for the Earth Harp was Frank Lloyd Wright. "I wanted to turn architecture into art."
The Wing Harp was a soprano version of the Earth Harp. Close has designed 100 plus instruments in all. The Aquatar is three guitars in one. It looks like a bass guitar with two extra necks and was featured in a solo number. Taking center stage were four sets of wind chimes attached to what looked like a metal butterfly.
With grace similar to a butterfly, Andrea Brook joined MASS Ensemble in 2001 as an aerial dancer. She has since learned to play some of the instruments. During one number she riveted the audience with her physical skill. Drawing on her love of yoga, Brook twisted and balanced in yoga positions with the strength of a gymnast and the skill of an acrobat. Brook also wrote and spoke the words for the song "Nexus."
