As I became infatuated with the sound and possibilities of the bass clarinet back in 1995, a timeline unfolded that we have a good perspective on now as another Era draws to a close on September 12 in San Francisco. The following brief outline centers on the existence of a “heavy chamber music” bass clarinet quartet, known as Edmund Welles.
1996-1999
Inspirational Era includes the earliest compositions and arrangements and one performance, alongside the existence of The Cornelius Boots Trio, the robot bass clarinet and Faun Tumnus
2000-2002
Pre-Classic Era includes magnesium, the songs thereof (some of which became core EW pieces), and several failed attempts to recruit qualified bass clarinetists in Chicago and Eugene
2003-2005
Early Classic Era includes the first Bay Area performances and personnel, as well as the core compositions and the release of Agrippa’s 3 Books
2006-2011
Classic Era includes the primary activity both locally and regionally, the release of Tooth & Claw and Imagination Lost; Switchboard and Clarinetfest appearances; shows with Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and Faun Fables and others; and the emergence of interrelated bands/projects Simulacra and Sqwonk.
2012-2014
Late Classic Era includes the release of Hymns for Christmas, the international debut of the group in Assisi, Italy and the bass clarinet-a-palooza concert in San Francisco.
For compositions and buying sheet music, click HERE.
For a more thorough bio and descriptive history, click HERE.
For all the albums and recordings available, to to bandcamp HERE.
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