Album Notes

About the artist: Two of the highlights of Stich's musical education took place at Toronto's York University. First was his study of South Indian Classical music with Trichy Sankaran, second was his study of 20th Century Classical music with James Tenney, particularly Arnold Schoenberg's piano piece 'Opus 11'. Another major inspiration for Stich was maverick filmmaker Robert Bresson, specifically his rejection of commercialism. Stich puts a high premium on the unconventional.

About the music: Modern Surfaces transfers thought through music directly to the listener without style identifications. Modern Surfaces conveys an unusual and subtle form of excitement which draws the listener in. The group's mandate involves the exploration of abstract expression. Modern Surfaces utilizes several parameters of music which are absent from most creative improvising music groups. This gives Modern Surfaces a richness of expression, nurturing the musical palate of both the musicians and the listener alike. Rhythm, melody, harmony and texture are all present in the music of Modern Surfaces. For the past twenty five years, Stich, Mike, Geoff and Jim have been playing together in many different musical contexts. The wide-ranging experience of these four musicians makes them well equipped for the challenges that Modern Surfaces presents.