Amy Denio's Never-Ending Musical Quest
Not many people have made a career in music counterculture. Seattle’s Amy Denio is on the short list of those who have. In the latest episode of the Right Brain Music Podcast, we meet this prolific avant-garde artist, get a sense of what makes her tick and hear plenty of examples of her recent work. Listen to the episode.
In summary, Amy Denio is an improviser, composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a four-octave range. She has a vast range of credits and projects ranging from experimental and free improv collaborations to full ensembles and solo works. She’s toured the world and written for dance troupes, theater, film and chamber ensembles, and also operates her own recording studio. In all, she’s composed over 500 pieces and released over 50 wildly diverse recordings. She’s in Seattle’s Jazz Hall of Fame.
Amy Denio has been busy. And it’s clear she is far from finished. While the pandemic has taken a lot out of many of us, she’s seemingly been re-energized by it. Constantly looking forward seems to be a key to her success.
Recent projects include:
An album of music inspired by the pandemic and how it’s hit places she’s lived: Corona Sonora
A new release from her longstanding saxophone quartet, the Tiptons: Wabi Sabi.
A moving memorial to a close friend: Crow Totem (for Noel Franklin).
Tune in to the podcast to learn more, hear more, and get to know a prolific artist that has stayed true to her ideals for over three decades and has touched thousands of lives in the process.
Where does this journey go next? Expect to be surprised, though it’s certain to go someplace interesting.
For more about Amy Denio, visit her website and her Bandcamp site, where her recordings live.
The Right Brain Music Podcast explores the world of improvised music. You can hear us on any Apple or Android podcast app—subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
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Here’s this episode’s playlist:
Floorboard 6 - Live from the Player’s Lounge, “Renaissance Part 2”
Corona Sonora, “Washington State (10,738 - 567)”
Corona Sonora, “Mumbai (12,579 - 420”
Detonator Beth - Vocalia, “Les Voix Vulgares - The Bulgarian One”
Detonator Beth - Vocalia, “Les Voix Vulgares - Little Bugs”
Detonator Beth - Vocalia, “Les Voix Vulgares - Backyard Xenophiles”
Ama Trio, “Cervello A Songali”
Tiptons Sax Quartet - Wabi Sabi, “Memory Bait”
Corona Sonora, “Gemma Gemma”
Tiptons Sax Quartet - Wabi Sabi, “Torquing of the Spheres”
Tiptons Sax Quartet - Wabi Sabi, “December’s Dance”