Syrinx Effect - A Sky You Could Strike A Match On (2018)

SEATTLE, USA

An acoustic-electric duo with endless possibilities, Syrinx Effect plays their own blend of folk punk jazz. They easily switch between dreamy ambient loops, catchy pop riffs and found sounds, all the while paying homage to their free improv roots. Naomi plays trombone with guitar pedals and Kate plays soprano saxophone with laptop and other toys. The duo got its start curating the Racer Sessions in Seattle, and has gone on to perform prolifically around the US, collaborating with many of the mainstays of the improvised music scene such as Wayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Elliott Sharp, Bobby Previte, Stuart Dempster, Allison Miller, Rene Hart. Syrinx Effect makes music that is authentic and expressive, employing everything from simple folk melodies to abstract, ambient noise. Each piece is a meditation, an exploration, and sometimes a romp. 

Naomi Siegel is a seeker and creator of music that serves as a vessel for connection and authentic expression.  As a trombonist, composer and educator with a jazz background, she produces music in a spectrum of settings, including world dance music to folk music to experimental improvisational music. After earning a Jazz Trombone Performance degree from Oberlin Conservatory in 2006, Naomi made her way to the west coast where she has been impacting the Bay Area and Seattle with her creative sounds and fresh teaching approach ever since.  In 2012, she received the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Best Emerging Artist.  She records and tours actively with her duo Syrinx Effect with Kate Olson - a folk/punk/jazz duo using loops and electronics.  In addition to leading her own ensembles The ODAT Band, Sunchasers and performing as a soloist, Naomi is a collaborating member of the Jefferson Rose Band, Picoso, Thione Diop’s Afro-Groove and Wayne Horvitz's Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble.  

Kate Olson is an improvising saxophonist and woodwind teacher based in Seattle, WA. Since moving to Seattle in 2010, she has done her best to infiltrate the local, regional and international improvised music scenes. She can be heard performing with her own projects Syrinx Effect, KO SOLO, and the KO Ensemble and as a collaborator with Ask the Ages, Only Trio, the Seattle Rock Orchestra, the Royal Room Collective Music Ensemble (led by Wayne Horvitz), the Seattle Jazz Composer's Ensemble and multiple other groups. Kate has a BA in Music (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Wyoming and an MM in Improvisation from the University of Michigan. Kate’s international resume continues to grow, including performances in Russia, Latvia, Turkey, Switzerland and Slovakia. She has appeared on stage with Pauline Oliveros, Allison Miller, Bobby Previte, Patricia Barber and pop music icons Sir Mix-a-lot and Big Star's Third (featuring members of REM, the Posies, and Nada Surf) among others. In 2011 and 2013, Kate was nominated for the Earshot Golden Ear Award in the Emerging Artist category. Kate’s musical goals include expanding the educated audience base for improvised music and creating performance situations that facilitate opportunities for improvisers to network and advance their careers in the field.

1. Cameronathon 04:09

2. Bottomfeeders 05:31

3. Crabwalk 04:43

4. The Bankrobber Song 03:58

5. Redwood Cry 06:46

6. Super Soaker 05:18

7. Gretta Returns To Dream 04:47

8. Mobligations 06:44

9. Song for Dead Sparrows 05:19

10. The Hui 02:27

All songs written by Naomi Siegel © 2017 MoonMusic (ASCAP) and Kate Olson © 2017 KnockoutNoise (ASCAP).

Song for Dead Sparrows was commissioned by Entre Rios books.

Produced by Eric Eagle & Syrinx Effect

Recorded by Eric Eagle & Naomi Siegel

Mixed by Eric Eagle

Mastered by Martin Feveyear

Syrinx Effect is:

Kate Olson - soprano saxophone, clarinet, electronics

Naomi Siegel - trombone, melodica, electronics

Special guests:

Eric Eagle - drums

Jacques Willis - beat production (Supersoaker)