Clayton Thomas
Words Fail
*200 copies edition* The debut release from the trio of Chris Abrahams (piano), Clayton Thomas (bass & preparations), & Miles Thomas (drums & percussion), Words Fail is an intergenerational meeting of the minds. Despite the quintessential trio format, the sound world subverts the instrumentation across four expansive improvisations. Beginning with a lone piano note, repeating like droplets of water on a glassy lake, the interwoven textures of Clayton Thomas’ prepared double-bass & Miles Thomas’ …
Intricacies
The title's a good one – given the complex layers of sound and interaction going on here – as this avant quintet find a way to come together in these varied and compelling ways over the course of the long improvisations in the set! Pianist Alexander Von Schlippenbach may well be the biggest name in the group – but all players contribute equally, and the lineup also includes Frank Paul Schubert on alto and soprano sax, Paul Hubweber on trombone, Clayton Thomas on bass, and Willi Kellers o…
Substation
Apart from being recognised as two of Australia's leading improvising musical forces, Clayton Thomas and Robin Fox are also acknowledged for their unrelenting experiments and divergent acoustic approaches in relation to their instrument of choice. Over the past 3 years, Robin Fox has developed some of the most powerful live processing tools in Australia through his research with MAXMSP. Clayton Thomas on the other hand has expanded his performance styles, moving between blistering free jazz expl…