Microfiche - Live at 107 (Residency Highlights) (2023)

In 2021, Microfiche set about its most ambitious project yet: a month long residency with special guests, supports and events at 107 Projects, Redfern.

Across the month, Microfiche invited four extraordinary musicians to join them on stage: long time mentor and world class trumpeter Phil Slater (who directed the band when they were a student ensemble); extraordinary multi instrumentalist and vocalist Bonnie Stewart aka Bonniesongs; veteran Canberra-based sound artist, guitarist and singer Sia Ahmed, and legendary pianist Chris Abrahams of the The Necks. With these special guests, Microfiche reimagined existing repertoire, performed new tunes, interpreted the compositions of guest artists, and conjured fresh improvisations. They also experimented with new sounds and formats including the addition of laptop, SPD, synthesisers and percussion to their traditionally acoustic set up.

Each week also included an eclectic cast of Sydney’s brightest improvisers providing opening sets: Godriguez, Jachlo (Jacques Emery and Chloe Kim), Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Nicholas Meredith, and Clocks and Clouds.

In addition to the music, Microfiche organised an open rehearsal, a workshop, as well as a deluxe bbq led by friends of the band and accomplished chefs Tim Cassimatis (Alpha, Bazaari) and Marcus Papadopolou (Whole Beast Butchery, Vic Meat Market). This was a true community event celebrating the Sydney improvised scene after the first year living with COVID-19.

Each performance was captured by Jack Elias (although the recording with Phil Slater was unfortunately lost due to a technical malfunction). From these recordings, the band have chosen (with the blessing of the guest artists) their favourite excerpts and asked honorary seventh Fiche Patrik Jarletsam to mix and master them.

This EP captures the collective at a high point in their seven years together: experimental and bold but also showcasing a heightened sensitivity and reactivity to each other and their guests. As well, each guest pushed the ensemble into new and fascinating musical spaces the ensemble were all too happy to explore. The result is a body of music too good not to share. Microfiche presents: 107 residency highlights.

Max Alduca - double bass
Nick Calligeros - trumpet & electronics
Holly Conner - drums & electronics
Sam Gill - alto & soprano saxophones, percussion & piano (track 7)
Novak Manojlovic - piano, harmonium & keyboards
Phillippa Murphy-Haste - clarinet & viola

with guests:

Sia Ahmad - vocals & electronics (tracks 1, 6 & 7)
Bonniesongs - vocals, electronics, guitar & percussion (tracks 2, 4 & 5)
Chris Abrahams - piano (tracks 3 & 8)
Phil Slater - trumpet (track 9)