Archive release

A Consonant Vowel

Various · 1988 · Vinyl-Lp · US · none

C.A.G.E.'s second record project, "A / Consonant / Vowel" presents 18 exciting works of audio art, language performance and sound poetry. Initiated to encourage the production of experimental audio works, this album creates an exciting and evocative audio landscape. Artists responded to a national call for tape samples and the 18 project participants were selected by an outside review panel. These artists represent a broad spectrum of visual, media and performance activity. The pieces featured on "A / Consonant / Vowel" were selected for their innovative and challenging use of sound and voice. The diverse approaches utilized include spoken word, manipulated voice, musical patterning, fragmentation, and re-mixed found material. A showcase for these energetic sound works "A / Consonant / Vowel" is itslef a work of audio art. What is audio art? It's a book by James Joyce read aloud from any point in the text; an audio tape loop repeating an endless phrase, developing its own singular meaning; a reading performed as traditional poetry or storytelling as oral presentation. Since July 1986 C.A.G.E. has showcased local and regional sound and audio artists through its "A / Consonant / Vowel" open reading series. This series has recognized the regional and national scope of artists working in this medium. The record project is a result of that recognition. Audio exploration by artists is not a new venture, but is a rapidly growing and dynamically developing medium of expression. Language as sound and the use of our own voices is the most rapid and direct form of expression available to us. In the information age this is an art form destined to proliferate. The artists on this record share the common bond of creating new traditions, re-establishing old ones, and developing language and sound as recognized art forms. Portions recorded at PJC, Inc., Cincinnati, OH.