Leanna Keith’s creative endeavors resemble an enormous constellation, bringing collectively flute and taiko performances, training, and composition. On the core of this various physique of labor are explorations of identification, relationships, and sonic innovation. The most recent milestone in Keith’s journey is the album physique of breath, launched by Unusual Moon Information on the finish of September.
This album serves as each an earnest invitation and a contemplative exploration, enriching the bass flute repertoire by way of contributions from notable composer collaborators equivalent to Nebal Maysaud, Josh Hou, Heather Bentley, Kaley Lane Eaton, and Kevin Baldwin. Keith’s performances all through the challenge, framed by her self-composed items, showcase her consciousness of the interconnected facets of the bodily physique, the physique politic, and the function of breath in transcending these boundaries.
The opening tracks, Residence and Al Wahdat Al Wujud, gently envelop the listener as Keith delicately interacts together with her instrument, making a tapestry of soppy clacks and complicated harmonics. Because the items unfold, the feel deepens, intertwining sputtering breaths with fluid, melismatic hums. The playful, whimsical melodies in Hou’s composition Tales of My Grandfather evoke recollections of familial storytelling, usually skilled throughout leisurely strolls or whereas tending the backyard.
In compositions like Grow to be Dragon and GEO, Keith engages with different creative media, permitting for a dynamic trade between the flute, viola, and mechanized results that spotlight the presence of a number of voices and interactions. Conversely, the delicate silences and mild delays in physique, and… and… and physique of breath evoke contemplations in regards to the surrounding atmosphere—the breath inside and past ourselves.
As we mirror on the discharge of this album, we requested Leanna about her collaborative efforts and the way inspiration from fantasy, place, and reminiscence performed a job.
First off, congratulations on this superbly assorted and cohesive album. May you share your motivations for the challenge and what impressed you and your collaborators throughout its creation?
Thanks a lot! I initially conceived the concept for physique of breath in 2019, desiring to document it in 2020. I proposed to the Jack Straw Cultural Middle, the place I recorded the album by way of their Artist Residency Program, to create a group of solo bass flute works composed particularly for me. Everybody was excited in regards to the challenge, however the arrival of Covid considerably disrupted our plans. The very essence of the instrument, which primarily depends on breath, made it a difficult time for performances and recordings.
Over these two years, sustaining motivation was a battle. Personally, my husband, who was engaged to me at the moment, was recognized with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We spent six months navigating chemotherapy whereas attempting to keep away from Covid, as his immune system was extremely compromised. It felt like a lockdown inside a lockdown—harsh and isolating.
Having one thing to anticipate was essential. The album supplied a ray of hope throughout these difficult occasions. I wanted breath—each as a method to work by way of my feelings and as one thing now not fraught with hazard. Once we lastly emerged from these darkish days, with my husband declared in remission, I used to be capable of breathe, each actually and metaphorically, into this challenge as soon as extra.
I’m extremely lucky that, very similar to myself, my collaborators had been thrilled to convey their items to life after reentering the world. Whereas some compositions had been crafted earlier than 2020, most had been created throughout the peak of the pandemic. My mates, like everybody else, had been looking forward to one thing to stay up for, making the prospect of performing and recording these works a supply of optimism.
Breath serves as a unifying and grounding component all through this album. Past making music, did you interact in particular breath workouts or bodily practices throughout the course of?
Breath coaching is intrinsically linked to taking part in the flute, particularly the bass flute. Every composer deliberately accentuated the physicality of breath of their compositions, making the expertise of recording this album akin to getting ready for a marathon.
In Eaton’s GEO, there’s a second the place my gasps have to be painfully audible, and I’m challenged to carry a be aware as steadily and loudly as attainable for an prolonged time. I discovered myself visualizing breath flowing from my ft, permitting my lungs to succeed in towards the bottom to keep away from hyperventilation.
Conversely, Baldwin’s physique…and…and… calls for that my breaths be fully inaudible between the ultra-quiet micro-sounds I create. The sensitivity of the microphone captures the faintest shifts, even the delicate changes of my tongue. This expertise felt like meditation, requiring me to domesticate a stillness the place air moved silently, nourishing my lungs with out disturbing the encompassing area. I deeply cherish the physicality of this apply.
Whereas I didn’t undertake any new coaching gadgets for lung capability, constructing endurance was important. Fortunately, I’ve developed vital stamina from my common athletic pursuits—taiko drumming and vertical aerial arts. If I can deal with ten minutes of full-throttle drumming whereas shouting or 4 minutes of holding my physique weight within the air, I can sort out these items.
Leanna Keith — Picture by David Wall
Your work usually balances playfulness and gravity, touching upon themes like fable and creativeness as seen in your 2021 album TAROT, alongside your curiosity in fantasy and video video games. Is there a selected archetype or character you resonate with?
Thanks for recognizing that steadiness of playfulness and gravity; it actually resonates with me. Curiously, my mom revealed that I used to be born within the yr, month, and day of the Monkey, usually thought of a trickster determine. This character has accompanied me all through my life, from childhood tales to the animated movies I adored. He embodies each whimsical pleasure and fierce impulsiveness—traits that may usually conflict.
Initially, I struggled with this chaotic affiliation, striving to be a very good individual, whereas the Monkey King is infamous for mischief. Nevertheless, over time, I acknowledged that trickster figures symbolize rebel, transformation, and advocacy for group—pushing in opposition to standard norms. I aspire to create a piece that displays my relationship with this character, maybe as my subsequent vital challenge.
I have to additionally point out The Hanged Man from the tarot. In the event you’re observant, you’ll be aware that The Hanged Man is the only observe that includes me in its music video. The imagery of the Hanged Man, suspended by one foot, exudes serenity whereas viewing the world from a singular perspective. This aligns completely with how I strategy each life and artwork; it could seem absurd or counterproductive, but it opens doorways to new beginnings.
Seattle boasts a vibrant musical and cultural panorama, nestled in gorgeous pure magnificence. How has your connection to Seattle influenced your work?
The existence of “physique of breath” wouldn’t have been attainable with out my transfer to Seattle. Town’s improvisational and experimental music scene is phenomenal, characterised by proficient musicians who embody generosity. The vast majority of the composers who contributed to this album are folks I met right here; their affect considerably formed my strategy to those items.
There’s immense pleasure in crafting every second, permitting for deep roots with out the strain of fixed novelty, as seen in all of the tracks of this album. They function reflections of the colourful performances I’ve shared with my colleagues. Deep listening—thanks, Pauline Oliveros—stays an integral a part of our apply.
Earlier than relocating to Seattle, I had simply accomplished undergraduate research, feeling uncertain about my identification as a composer. Whereas I had a powerful need to compose, I lacked formal coaching and confidence. After finishing graduate faculty, I discovered collaborators who inspired me not solely to write down for others but in addition for myself, giving me area to discover my very own voice. Via the unwavering help of Seattle’s musical group, I gained great confidence.
Inspecting identification, historical past, and reminiscence encompasses each pleasure and sorrow. What brings you hope lately, and what’s on the horizon for you?
It’s surreal to pen these ideas on November eighth, 2024. Throughout a time the place hope feels so important, I discover myself drawn to the idea of play—easy, harmless exploration as an indication of optimism. The human skill to create artwork and rework sound waves into significant experiences is, in itself, a strong type of hope. Creator and activist Naomi Klein captured this sentiment succinctly: “creativeness is an act of rebel.” This resonated deeply with me, prompting me to create a bit about it in 2019.
I yearn to play—to sing, dance, and create whimsical kinds within the sand and sound waves. Via this playful engagement, I reclaim my identification, delve into my historical past and reminiscence, and have fun the complexities of pleasure and sorrow, forging a future worthy of dedication. I hope you, too, select to embrace the enjoyment of play.
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