Wolf Edwards – Chains for 7 String Electric Guitar & Electronics

This is the premiere recording of Chains (2021) for 7 String Guitar & Electronics by Wolf Man Edwards, which I commissioned with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. The first version (2019) of this piece was premiered by myself in an online solo guitar recital, presented by Vancouver New Music.

Wolf is a composer with whom I have collaborated, and commissioned several new works for guitar over the years. We met when I was living in Victoria, and he ran an independent record store, Black Raven Records, in my neighborhood. When I stopped in to introduce myself we soon discovered that we shared many musical interests. Our tastes converged in contemporary classical music and 90’s metal; we were also connected through our studies with renowned classical guitarist, the late Dr. Alexander Dunn.

I previously commissioned Wolf Edwards to write Cluster Bomb Unit (2013) for amplified viola & 7 String Electric Guitar and Planes Of Decay (2017-2019) for 3 amplified guitars. We discussed the possibility of a new work for solo electric guitar, and how to push the limits of the instrument using technology to create a dense and layered musical texture. The composer utilizes his depth of knowledge of contemporary guitar repertoire, and experience as an electric guitarist to create an elaborate web of sound in Chains.

Composer’s Notes: “Chains for 7 String Electric Guitar & Electronics (2019-2021) explores planes of sound that collide with one another in an unstable setting. Material is at once static and ever changing, with little or no regard to its intrinsic history. Thanks to Adrian Verdejo for his continuing support, and the Canada Council for the Arts for funding the project. Also thanks to Giorgio Magnanensi and Vancouver New Music for programming the piece. ” – Wolf Edwards

My recording attempts to capture as closely as possible the meticulous written detail by the composer. The score video above should help the listener understand the form of this piece in each of its sections and interludes. The musical goal of this piece is to maintain a constant movement of sound and energy as the various looped passages build and interact. Through the use of looping, effects, extended range, and traditional/extended guitar techniques, Wolf Edwards creates a vast sonic landscape in Chains.