“Austerity Measures” features a vibraphone soloist flanked by two identical quartets of trumpet, trombone, cello/bass, and electric guitar. Each quartet is bound to a specific pitch-class set representing their distinct point of view. A violent debate ensues as both groups become increasingly polarized, stubborn, and insistent in their starkly contrasting points of view.
The vibraphone soloist acts as somewhat of a moderator in the debate, provoking a passionate discourse in search of some common ground. However, no such compromise is reached, as our moderator is plagued by his own inner debate and the discourse dissolves into chaos. “Austerity Measures” combines two existing ensembles versed in a variety of written and improvised musical traditions, The Westerlies and Andy Clausen’s SHUTTER Project.
1. Austerity Measures 14:29
Brian Shank - Vibraphone
Gregg Belisle-Chi - Guitar (A&B)
Mitch Lyon - Cello
Dan Chmielinski - Double Bass
The Westerlies:
Riley Mulherkar - Trumpet
Chloe Rowlands - Trumpet
Willem de Koch - Trombone
Recorded at various studios and homes between 2017-2020
Mixed & Mastered by Andy Clausen, March 2021
Cover Art by Addis Goldman
