Music
The Dirty Snacks Ensemble
The Dirty Snacks Ensemble is an instrumental music ensemble formed by Oakland based vibraphonist/composer Mark Clifford in early 2011. In composing for the DSE, Clifford pays homage to his many musical influences which run the gamut from Kool Keith to Bela Bartok, and is interested in finding the balance between long form compositional structures, free improvisation, and short ditties while still maintaining musical freedom for his immensely talented ensemble. The Dirty Snacks Ensemble released their first full length record, Tidy Universe (Recollect Records) in June of 2016, and released a follow up album of rarities and basement recordings, Another Man’s Treasure (self-released via soundcloud) in March 2017. The Dirty Snacks Ensemble released their second full length record, You Would Do Well , on Slow & Steady Records on September 16th, 2022.
Two Aerials
Based in Oakland, CA, Two Aerials stands as a testament to the eclectic spirit of the Bay-Area music scene. Co-led by Mark and Crystal Pascucci-Clifford, the band intertwines elements from a rich tapestry of musical traditions, ranging from modern classical and free improvisation to art-song and electronic music. Their self-titled debut EP was released on May 26, 2017.
Lost Shapes
Based in the heart of the Bay Area, The Lost Shapes stands as a dynamic ensemble of gifted composers and improvisors who have carved a niche within the contemporary jazz landscape. Established three years ago, this collective has emerged as a trailblazer in avant-garde jazz, skillfully blending structured compositions with the raw energy of improvisation. The ensemble boasts an impressive lineup: Mark Pascucci-Clifford on vibraphone, Max Miller-Loran on trumpet, Safa Shokrai on bass, Beth Schenck on alto saxophone, and Jason Levis on drums. Together, they coalesce to deliver an auditory experience that resonates deeply, placing The Lost Shapes at the vanguard of modern jazz innovation. Their debut recording is set to release in early 2024.
Levitator Trio
Levitator Trio is comprised of Kjell Nordeson on drums, Mark Pascucci-Clifford on vibraphone, and Safa Shokrai on bass. The ensemble emphasizes a focused approach to original compositions, melding structural integrity with improvisational depth. Drawing upon their individual expertise and collective synergy, the trio consistently delivers performances characterized by both energy and precision. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz improvisation makes the Levitator Trio a noteworthy ensemble in the modern jazz sphere.
Inner Movements
Inner Movements is a collective of percussionists and string players celebrating the music of the 20th, 21st centuries and newly commissioned works. Realizing works of open instrumentation, Inner Movements aims to explores the sonorities expose by the combination of strings and percussion. The aleatoric nature of percussion overtones combined with complex string instrument resonance supports ambiguity, reinforcement, and envelop contrast.
The juxtaposition of decaying sound sources combined with swelling tones creates a melding timbre of idiosyncratic instrumentation. Realizing scores for open instrumentation has created a landscape for our ensemble to explore these timbres. Working with living composers is a mission of the group. Collaboration with composers interested in creating music for percussion and strings, and seeing that music come to live, fulfills a goal of creation, realization and production.
Crystal Pascucci (cello) and Mark Clifford (vibraphone) are the two core members of this group. There is a changing cast of players, based on instrumentation of specific pieces.
