Sean Noonan's Bartalk: A Monodrama for Speaking Drummer and Large Ensemble

Sean Noonan, the celebrated drummer and composer known for his innovative 'Rhythmic Storytelling,' proudly unveils his latest and most ambitious project to date, 'Bartalk,' live in concert at St. Giles Church, London. This captivating live double album embarks on a journey that explores the profound themes of isolation and confinement, delivered through a unique fusion of new music, free improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling.

A Collaboration of Visionaries In "Bartalk," Sean Noonan takes his artistry to new heights by joining forces with the renowned Ligeti Quartet, a U.K.-based ensemble dedicated to modern composers and groundbreaking programming. Alongside this extraordinary quartet, Noonan is joined by a stellar cast of musicians, including the fearless improviser Matthew Bourne (Fender Rhodes and church organ), Alex Ward (clarinet, guitar), Helen Vidovich (flute), and Otto Willberg (bass). The text of Bartalk was written in collaboration with Guenter Janovsky with co-lyrical contributions from Malcolm Mooney.

A Journey into Isolation The context of the pandemic lockdown provides a poignant backdrop to "Bartalk." During these challenging times, individuals across the globe grappled with isolation and its far-reaching effects. In "Bartalk," Sean Noonan takes center stage, delivering an intimate performance through a series of episodes that seamlessly weave together new music, free improvisation, and Noonan's signature rhythmic storytelling. Using his four limbs and voice, Noonan ingeniously blends rhythm and narrative to craft a profoundly moving experience.

Unveiling the 'Unknown' As the narrative unfolds, Sean Noonan immerses himself in the persona of the 'unknown,' delving deep into the emotional impact of isolation and solitary confinement. The journey takes form through episodic soliloquies, with the ensemble serving as a conduit for the 'unknown's' auditory hallucinations. The composition treats the ensemble as an extension of Noonan's limbs, resulting in a mesmerizing tapestry of polyrhythmic, polytemporal, and polymetric expressions, all inspired by the essence of the drum kit.

Recording Details: Sean Noonan (drums, voice and composer), Ligeti Quartet Freya Goldmark and Salomé Rateau (violins) Richard Jones (viola) Val Welbanks (cello), Helen Vidovich (flute), Alex Ward (clarinet, guitar), Matthew Bourne (Fender Rhodes / church organ), Otto Willberg (bass), Guenter Janovsky co-lyricist on track 2,3,6,8,11,15,16,18, Malcolm Mooney co-lyricist on track 7, 14, Sean Hargreaves (Producer), Seb Truman (Engineer), Michal Kupicz. (Mixing), Matthias Gleixner (Album Artwork )

Genre: New Music/Creative Jazz/Experimental Chamber Music Label: seannoonanmusic recordings Catalog: SNMR1012 Release Date: December 9, 2023