All the way from West Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, chik white plays solo jaw harp with astoundingly visceral intensity, an energetic echo of his background as a member of East Coast punk, doom metal, and noise rock bands. Upon moving to the rural Nova Scotia coast in 2009, White acquired a collection of handmade jaw harps and began a regular ritual improvising on them in natural settings. Over time, this harp project morphed into experimental territory and has come to incorporate preparations, techniques, and performative elements that tease uncomfortable vocalisations from his mouth, throat, and lungs. Utterly unbelievable sounds.
chik white’s solo set is part of a triple-bill of extraordinary soloists playing instruments from folk, vernacular, and popular music in compelling new ways.
Friday, 13 September, 1:30pm, Royal City Church (on a triple-bill of solos with Susan Alcorn and Ben Grossman), $20/$15
chik white (Darcy Spidle) website
chik white Bandcamp
Photo by Heather Rappard