*Apologies for the audio clipping... (we’re learning) hang in there it’s worst on the first tune. Much less on the second tune and only occasionally for the rest of the concert* thanks for your support.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:14 Backyard BBQ
9:20 Nature Boy
20:30 Star Eyes
33:40 Tight
44:04 Autumn Starlight/Stella by Leaves
53:40 Traz Voce

This is a live streamed duo concert with bassist, Kris Monson and saxophonist, Austin Zhang.

Kris will be playing from his home in Charlottesville, VA
https://www.krismonson.com/
Austin will be playing from his home in Manhattan, NY
https://www.austinzhang.org/
Connected through the powerful JackTrip software. Thanks to Dan Tepfer for the inspiration and assistance. The ability to share music with friends hundreds of miles apart is truly a gift! There will be no prerecording, a real live duo performance funneled through the internet across state borders in real time.

This concert is available for your viewing free of charge:) If you would like to contribute to help us continue making projects you can do so here: https://bravesound.org/distance/
Any amount is very appreciated and will go directly to the artists involved!

//
Kris Monson is a bassist and composer based in New York City, originally from Fairfax, Virginia. Kris has had the honor of performing in ensembles led by many of the top musicians in the international jazz and contemporary music scenes, including Marc Cary, Vince Mendoza, Lalah Hathaway, Jim McNeely, Tyshawn Sorey, Charles Owens, and Ari Hoenig, and at venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Smalls Jazz Club, and Blues Alley.
//
Austin Zhang started out listening to Dexter Gordon while mowing lawns, humming Confirmation in math class, and playing Deep Ellum bars by night. He left his hometown to study at the Manhattan School of Music where he met some of the most important mentors in his life: Jaleel Shaw, Stefon Harris, John Riley, and Wynton Marsalis. These mentors live the artistic excellence, empathy, and depth of character that exemplify this music and its history.

Since then Zhang has had the great fortune to share the stage with giants of this music: Terri Lyne Carrington, Wycliffe Gordon, Lynn Seaton, Mino Cinelu, and others. In 2019, he immersed myself in the world of music technology and co-founded the NYC music production studio, Brave Sound Productions.
//

Your hosts:
Austin Zhang - https://www.austinzhang.org/ and @austindiscovers
Michael Shapira http://michaelxshapira.com/ and @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

Joe Giordano's amazing group, here featuring:

"I Won't Rest" -
Imani Rousselle – Voice – @imani_zamasing
Stefano Malinverno – Electronic Percussion – @_badwinter
Joe Giordano – Compositions, Keyboards -- @joegiordano120

This is an excerpt from a 40 minute live set given on November 8th, 2020.
Full concert for purchase here: https://bravesound.org/shop/joegiordano/
Brave Sound Podcast with Joe Giordano: https://youtu.be/mHTA7wSQX0M

//
Originally from Albany, NY, Joe Giordano is a trombonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader based in New York City. He currently studies at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Marshall Gilkes and Marc Cary. Giordano was inspired by his father, Mark, at a young age and became enamored with the sounds of JJ Johnson and Curtis Fuller. His list of heroes and influences has expanded to include literary geniuses such as William Blake, Carl Jung, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Since moving to New York City, Giordano has performed with many key voices on the scene, including Frank Lacy, Bobby Sanabria, Stacy Dillard, and Davis Whitfield Jr. He has performed at venues such as Smalls, Dizzy’s, Clement’s Place, Newport Jazz Festival, and with the Jazz Exchange. In addition to being a Vail Jazz Alumnus, Giordano was named a YoungArts Finalist in Jazz in 2018.

Find him @joegiordano120 on Instagram
//

Your hosts:
Austin Zhang - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael Shapira http://michaelxshapira.com/ and @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

GEAR USED:
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Oktava MK-319 Michael Joly Modified on Imani

Panasonic G7 https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Olympus E-M10 mk iii https://amzn.to/36W8wdH
Panasonic Lumix 25mm https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f
Panasonic Leica 15mm https://amzn.to/2TquoWD

Here's My Tribe
They look like you and I
Still I (we) fight for them, cry for them, die for their fears

What's to lose? (So much to lose)
(Is?) A nation's an elaborate ruse
Filled with hatred and differences
who's side am I (are you?)
still hurting for
Tormenting my (torment's in the) mind
Still I (we) fight for and kill for this feeling inside
For the right side of history

History is told by the victors.
So what's the right side of history?

Drums and Vocals - Michael Shapira
Composition, Lyrics, EWI, A/V - Austin Zhang
--
Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.

The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound in this video is digital, except the vocals. Utilizing this technology can enable you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.

Most of these sounds were recorded live, with the exception of a few post production additions.

Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/

Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer. He is also singing through an SM-58 Microphone.
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira

GEAR:
AKAI EWI 5000: https://amzn.to/36RAZkv
Korg nanopad2: https://amzn.to/30RqVUU
Roland TD-50K (this is the newer version of the discontinued TD-30K that we have): https://amzn.to/3lr3wS0
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Panasonic G7: https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Panasonic 25mm: https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

I woke up in a sweat, gasping. My hand clenched the damp bed sheets as I inhaled stale and musty air. My throat felt dry and I went to reach for a glass of water but it wasn’t there. Looking more closely, I realized my room was missing quite a few more things and my door was open ajar. But, I always locked my door at night. I suddenly heard a strange noise. Static of some kind, almost like a radio receiving poor signal. Then I heard a dish in my kitchen break and my heart dropped. I reached for my phone to call the police, but that was missing too. I lay there shocked not knowing what to do for what seemed like forever, when I heard a creak. Someone was coming upstairs. I heard creak after creak. Each step felt sluggish and heavy. I watched through my slightly open door how light from the hallway flickered as the intruder’s body slowly approached. I tried to move but fear had locked up every muscle in my body. Then light poured into my room as what looked like a man with glasses opened it. The pale glow of moonlight in my room and the hall light were enough to make out that this wasn’t any ordinary human figure. Whatever it was, it stared directly at me and for the longest time there was silence. Then it spoke- “Hey man check out my new song. Happy Halloween!”

Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.

The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound in this video is digital, except the vocals. Utilizing this technology can enable you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.

Most of these sounds were recorded live, with the exception of a few post production additions.

Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/

Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer. He is also triggering a bass loop via an AKAI MPK-MINI and singing through an SM-58 Microphone.
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

The Greg DeAngelis Double Qtet is a 9-piece brass band, here featuring:

"O.T." -
Damien Pacheco – Trumpet
Nicholas DiMaria – Trumpet
Constance Mulford – F. Horn
Joe Giordano – Trombone
Greg DeAngelis – Trombone/Composition
Ben Rivera – Tuba
Sam Towse – Piano
Keenan Zach – Bass
Michael Shapira – Drums

This is an excerpt from a 45 minute live concert given on October 24th.
Full concert for purchase here: https://bravesound.org/shop/gregdeangelis/
Brave Sound Podcast with Greg DeAngelis: https://youtu.be/BHbO2wZNLxY

//
After finding a love for music at a young age, Long Island born trombonist Greg DeAngelis has been playing music for over a decade. Beginning with his roots in jazz and classical music, Greg branched out and has performed all styles, including pop, rock, ska, funk, afro-cuban, and New Orleans second line music. Greg has been performing professionally on trombone, sousaphone, and euphonium since 2014.

Greg’s various groups have been playing around New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania since 2015. He has penned over 40 original compositions and arrangements for quintet, sextet, big band, and brass band, as well as rock and ska bands. As a leader, Greg’s groups have performed at venues such as Tomi Jazz, Club Bonafide, the Central Jersey Jazz Festival, and the George Street Ale House. As a sideman, Greg has performed at The Jazz Loft, Swing 46, the Sands Resort and Casino, and the Heavy Rebel Music Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

In May of 2018, Greg graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. In his 4 years of college, Greg studied privately with world renowned trombonists Conrad Herwig and Ed Neumeister, as well as working closely with Ralph Bowen, Frank Lacy, Abraham Burton, Kenny Davis, Bill O’Connell, and Victor Lewis.

Find him at https://www.gregdmusic.com/ and @gregdeangelis1
//

Your hosts:
Austin Zhang - https://www.austinzhang.org/
Michael Shapira http://michaelxshapira.com/ and @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

GEAR USED:
RME Babyface Pro: https://amzn.to/2SOeMvr
Beyerdynamic MC930 Stereo Set (for the brass): https://amzn.to/3jAsi0F
Sennheiser MD-441 (our favorite dynamic mic): https://amzn.to/3ddropo

Panasonic G7 https://amzn.to/36PPipV
Olympus E-M10 mk iii https://amzn.to/36W8wdH
Panasonic Lumix 25mm https://amzn.to/2IgKD6f
Panasonic Leica 15mm https://amzn.to/2TquoWD

Michael Shapira's take on being a creator and artist in the world today-

"I wrote these words to express my current perspective of being a musician. Pursuing any artistic career requires a strong mental mindset. Often, feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty can take over and these can inhibit progress to an artist of achieving their goals. There is much uncertainty in the music industry, especially today, but there is still so much to hope for and be positive about. I believe there will always be ways for people to express themselves creatively, making art to inspire and give hope to others."

This video was produced by Brave Sound Productions, started by Mike and Austin to preserve, give platform to, and foster community around NYC’s creative and improvised music scene.

Our mission is to help NYC’s improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times.

We do so by:
1. Embracing incredible technology (such as virtual instruments and JackTrip) that allows us to make studio-quality LIVE recordings with minimal microphones, no expensive studio rental, and minimal acoustical/isolation concerns.
2. Providing free and low-cost marketing, photography, and content creation resources for NYC improvising composers and musicians.
3. Curating and documenting a beautiful selection of music and these musician’s stories through our YouTube channel and the Brave Sound Podcast.

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

Brave Sound Productions presents SOLAR

This one is not for the faint of heart! Took this Miles classic (Chuck Wayne technically) and took it out. Hope you dig our tribute to #electricmiles.

PS Gary Bartz "Music is my Sanctuary" Tee is available from The Harlem Sessions Band Camp: https://theharlemsessions.bandcamp.com/merch/exclusive-gary-bartz-music-is-my-sanctuary-green-t-shirt-by-jules-mann
--

Mike and Austin started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.

The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside sounds getting in your recording.

All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running UVI Digital Synsations, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/

Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

This is a new composition of mine (Austin) entitled Song for Healing. This is a melody that came to me while trying to work past my own anxieties and neurosis during the global pandemic. Here we are playing this Song for Healing for all who hear. Healing for you, healing for the artists, healing for the families. Healing for the country and healing for our souls! Enjoy, be well, and see you soon.
--

Mike and I started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.

The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside street sounds getting in your recording.

All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running to an iPad Pro with Lorentz Synth, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/

Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc

A short and sweet composition we've decided to call Six.

So much more music to come! Mike and I started Brave Sound to help the improvised music community take our live performance-based art and package it in new ways that are cost-effective, competitive, and distributable in our modern times. Here we are embracing some incredible virtual instrument technology that allows us to make studio-quality recordings with no microphones, expensive studio rental, or acoustic/isolation treatment whatsoever.

The Silent Sessions are so-called because they produce no acoustic noise. All sound is digital, enabling you to record even in apartments without disturbing your neighbors or having any worries about outside street sounds getting in your recording.

We're using all virtual instruments here. While they do have their limitations, they provide amazing advantages for recording and production usage. To name a few:
1. No acoustic instruments means no noise complaints or restrictions, this is huge for those of us in NYC apartments
2. No microphones need, massive cost savings
3. No room treatment and isolation needed, cost and physical space savings
4. Post-production editable

All sounds are recorded live, no sounds added in post.
Austin is playing an AKAI EWI 5000 wind controller running through Native Instruments Kontakt and Suonopuro Synth sounds and a Korg nanoPAD2 on the floor, running to an iPad Pro with Lorentz Synth, to trigger the chords.
You can follow Austin on his personal website - https://www.austinzhang.org/

Michael is playing a Roland TD-30K e-drums set running through Toontrack Superior Drummer
You can follow Michael at his website http://michaelxshapira.com/ and his personal Instagram - @michaelxshapira

Learn more: https://bravesound.org/
Instagram: @bravesoundnyc