An intro to my band Vagabond Opera!
Sneakin Out and me at the White Eagle
post some Trancelucid Hank= thanks
rest of jam
Most recent with Lara Michell and Jen Bernard playing "Petals"
BIOGRAPHY
Skip vonKuske
Many musicians and critics debate about the merits of this genre or that, what’s in, what’s out, and so on, but there are few talented artists who rise above the fray, and who dedicate their efforts to fostering the creation and evolution of music, rather than the categorization and judgment of it. Skip vonKuske is one these musicians. His open-mindedness, musical sensibility, technical ability, piercing emotion and improvisational skills have made him one of the most sought after cellists in the Northwest.
While perhaps best known as a master collaborator for his work with groups such as Vagabond Opera and the Portland Cello Project, Skip vonKuske is also many other things: a composer, an innovator, an improviser, and producer. The Oregonian has described him as “a one-man chamber ensemble,” and this is apparent in his solo work, in which he uses looping technology and sound-manipulation tools to push the cello into uncharted terrain, and yet does so without sacrificing the sentiment which is heard in his powerful, concise phrasing.
Skip began playing cello at the age of eight, and has studied with renowned cellists William Stokking of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Lorne Munro of the New York Philharmonic. He attended the Performing Arts School of Philadelphia and also studied at Michigan State University. While at MSU, Skip performed with numerous regional orchestras and in several original music projects, in which he also played bass, guitar and mandolin.
When Skip moved to Portland, Oregon in 1994, his skills as an improviser and singer/songwriter set him apart from many other classically trained musicians. In his first three years in Portland he recorded with well over fifty artists. And over the last decade, Skip's cello has provided vital, though often subtle texture, to hundreds of recordings including M. Ward's "Post War" and Pink Martini's "Sympathique”.
Skip has also worked with the Oregon Symphony and performed with Smokey Robinson Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Judy Collins, Crystal Gayle and many others. He stays active in the Portland’s Jazz community and continues to collaborate with film makers, producers, chamber music groups and is the first call of top music studios whenever a professional cellist is needed, whether their client has chord charts, written parts, or even no preconceived ideas.
Skip is currently concentrating on solo performance of personal projects and compositions including cellotronik, where he uses layered work with electronic elements to create hypnotic and techno-organic music which keeps the cello at the fore of countless blends of sounds and rhythms. His next recording, which will no doubt bring surprise and explore divergence, is due out by the end of 2009.
For additional information, please contact Grit PR & Management at 503/887.2644, email gritpr@gmail.com or visit www.skipvonkuske.com.
skipvonkuske.com
myspace.com/vonkuske
we think we are lucky to live these lives we lead. to be a part of the cultural, political and scientific conversation of our time, while able to work one's way through life basically supporting oneself through their art. amazing! frustrating sometimes? yes. unfair sometimes...what isn't? know we are blessed. that is why it is imperative that we speak up. it is our responsibility for being so blessed.
I wish I could be a vagabond everyday! I have played this charcter alot in my last few photoshoots! Girls with Guns in an ghost town ! So fuckn Hot! Your music I play at all of them ! We Love It ! Thankyou! Lady Diablo
looking soo forward to Monday @ the Edgefield! its been forever :) we have some new tunes I cant wait for you to hear. what time will you be there? much love~Amanda & Jenni
Hey my band and I are playing a show at the Hawthorne Theater Saturday, August 1st at 8pm. This will be one of the biggest shows this summer so don't miss out. We would love to see you and your friends out there at the show.
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