We are back from the MicroTime Tour. Part of the funding requirements included speaking to the audience before some of the shows, and this proved to be an effective way to get people to understand the music they were about to hear. Few listeners have a deep understanding of the Harmonic Series, fewer still know about Just Intonation tuning systems, and almost no one seems to know about Just Intonation Rhythm. And although these can be developed into a fabric of great complexity, the basic concepts and their Natural origins can be illuminated more simply. Most people are surprised to hear that Nature has a tuning system that contains beautiful chords that remain mostly unheard, as well as rhythms that have groove and humor. Another part of the talks that seemed to resonate with the audiences was the Difference Tone demonstration, where I played two high Harmonic Series pitches and produced a moving bass line of Difference Tones that was not actually being played, but was easily heard as I changed one of the high pitches.
It turns out that the only people who seem to know something about Harmonic Rhythms are scientists who are working with what they call Harmonics Theory. This has been used to predict the existence of particles that were previously not predicted, and were later proven to be exist. It has also been used in determining the distances between galaxies. The scientists that adhere to this theory feel that all is vibration, and that Harmonic Theory is the Universal organizer. To quote Ray Tomes, “The universe is a musical instrument and everything in it is vibrating in tune with the larger things that contain it. I belive that there are no other laws in the universe than this. All the other laws of physics appear to be the result of the wave structure that leads to the Harmonic law”. This seems in keeping with the current String Theory which has been at the leading edge of physics for some time. Harmonic Theory may even be the ‘Theory of Everything’ that Einstein searched for most of his life.
Focusing on the Harmonic Rhythms at multiple gigs with the 13 O’Clock Blues Band on this tour enabled the whole group to get to another level in executing the rhythms. Joseph Leibhart and Dane Johnson provided skilful and inspired playing, bassist Mat Fieldes rose to the occasion with his usually solid style combined with great musical understanding, and drummer Lorne Watson shined on both drums and Kalimba. Babe Borden surpassed herself again with monumental energy and explosive performances on autoharp and vocals. My deepest appreciation goes to these musicians, and thanks to everyone who did sound, booked gigs, and did promo etc. A great way to kick off the summer!

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