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The Xpiano is a strange and beautiful musical work of art . This unusual and unique instrument has been developed, designed and constructed by Paul Harrison . Fashioned from salvaged pianos Stripped of there casings and keys and moving parts , down to the harp like frame and soundboard with around 300 strings. One of many new tuning is installed, using unusual scales enabling you to be to be able to play an enormous open chord,where each note goes with every other note,and produces varied melodies, harmonics, and overtones. Also using various techniques ie. picking, strumming and beating ect. it is possible to produce a wide range of musical sounds which can resemble a varity of instruments from a sitar to a hurdy gurdy . A rich tuned percussive element is created by damping various strings, and with experimentation and imagination many strange and delightful sounds and melodies can be created with ease.

XPIANO NOW HAS AN INNOVATION

THAT ENABLES YOU TO PLAY IN ANY KEY.!!!. USING THE STANDARD PIANO TUNING ,I HAVE DEVISED A SYSTEM OF DAMPERS TO MUTE THE NOTES YOU DO NOT NEED IN THE SCALE YOU INTEND TO PLAY IN . EFFECTIVELY OPEN TUNING THE PIANO. THIS IS HUGE FUN TO PLAY, AS YOU ARE FREE TO IMPROVISE AND EXPLORE YOUR CHOSEN SET OF NOTES WITH EASE . THIS NEW SYSTEM WORKS AS WELL AS THE ORIGINAL XPIANO, AS YOU ARE STILL PLAYING SO MANY STRINGS. ALL THE TRICKS SOUNDS AND TECHNIQUES OF THE ORIGINAL XPIANO ARE STILL POSSIBLE AND NOW IN ANY KEY .

ALSO XPIANO IS NOW WELL AND TRULY MOBILE. I HAVE INSTALLED AN XPIANO INTHE BACK OF A CUSTOM BUILT TOYOTA PICK UP. LAVISHLY DECORATED INSIDE AND OUT WITH DECORATIVE PAINTWORK STARCLOTH CEALINGS AND SILK FLAME LANTERNS GREAT AT FESTIVALS AND PARTIES ECT.

Using Paul’s skills as a decorative painter and prop maker, (see www.myspace.com/harrisonsbrighton) Theamed, painted ,lit, adorned and styled in various ways, such as ancient tibetan ,music hall, clad in black feathers with gold candelarbras, or from the future, for example,the xpiano becomes a musical work of art you can hang on the wall.or use in your music studio. As far as i know this is totally unique !

inspired by the likes of Ma rtin Deny, Brian Eno, the Orb, Ennoi Morriconi ,and the Penquin Cafe to name just a few ,and always passionate about making music.

Paul has been experimenting composing and performing on the xpiano for some time now and has over 200 hours of recorded music ,has composed soundscapes for various short films and,art installations, has collaborated on many musical projects.also has taken a small portable acoustic version out onto the streets of Brighton on summer weekends to busk.

The xpiano cd Vol 1 has 80 mins. of music, all recorded in real time using live loops ,creating an other worldly virtual orchestra. Slow moving ,dreamy and deeply relaxing ,rather like sonic incence it is used by many yoga teachers and therapists as sounds to totaly unwind to...Ahhhhh. so also great for art galleries, shops, and cafes , or even to get tattooed to.

CD volume 2 is on it’s way

A portable electrified rig is a work in progress. enabling an xpiano to have built in mikes, looping devices, a mixing desk ,some lighting and PA. With the view to be able to travel and perform as the xpiano orchestra.at festivals, events, and parties. Paul is a part of armchair astronaught A group of, musicians, film makers,and performance artists.based in Brighton lots more @www.myspace.com/wireless or armchair-astronaught.com for more information on xpiano commissions,performance,ect . contact xpianobrighton@yahoo.co.uk

Paul is also a prop maker and decorative artist. For more info check out www.myspace.com/harrisonsbrighton

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