 SpiralZero began as the collaboration between sitar player/touch
guitar synthesist Philip Lampe, electronics wizard Robert Manzke,
and drummer Yuri Zbitnoff. By combining beat oriented electronic
soundscapes, the latest digital processing and looping technology
and explosive real time improvisation, SpiralZero
have created a sound world that is both accessible and innovative.
Philip
Lampe developed his approach to music by using
loop delays to create live overdubs on long delay lines. He
uses devices that allow him to restructure the harmonics of
his sitar as well as synthesizers that he plays with his touch
guitar.
Besides conventional instruction in guitar and bass, Philip
studied sitar in Nepal with teacher Gyanu Radha Gorkhali.
Philip’s playing credits reflect the diversity of his
musical interests which include big band jazz, several jazz
and progressive rock bands and collaborations with experimental
music artists in both the US and Germany. In addition to his
work in SpiralZero, Philip plays with Grant Smith and various guest musicians in the ambient world jazz trio Spiral7.
Other musicians with whom Philip has worked include Michael
Haumesser, Keith Hedger (Kohlhase, Konk, Debris), Dan
Piccolo, and Matthew Davidson’s Archetribe
project.
Robert Manzke's interest in electronic music
started very early and drew him to study electrical engineering
in college. When techno music’s poplularity rose, he
began creating psy-trance music with a group called Northern
Noise Research whose work was released on the label Minimalistic
Force. Since then, his interests have turned to the fusion
between jazz elements and electronic motion. SpiralZero combined his love of hand percussion and real time
improvisation together with electronic looping and processing.
With two projects already underway, Yuri Zbitnoff
just keeps on finding new exciting musical opportunities.
In addition to his work with Sky Saw, Enuma Elish and various
side projects, Yuri enjoyed a brief stint playing with neo
psych rock veterans Cul
de Sac.
SpiralZero 2.0
SpiralZero embarks on the next phase of its evolution with Philip and Yuri and the ongoing addition of various guest musicians. Recent SpiralZero live performances have included contributions from trumpet/electronics wizard Forbes Graham, Blue Man Group veteran Robb Simring, and jazz virtuoso John Frazee. |
