Bathysphere

Bringing together some of the most dynamic young British artists, Powerplant explores hi-octane percussion-led music with an electronic sound and strong visual performance. Led by percussionist Joby Burgess, the collective made its debut in July 2005, with a sell out performance at The Purcell Room, London. Since then Powerplant has performed for Oxford Contemporary Music, Sound, Aldeburgh and Corsham Festivals; played support for Alexander's Annexe and the Brodsky Quartet; and was one of the few ensembles to perform at Steve Reich's Barbican birthday celebrations 'Phases', in 2006.
At the heart of the Powerplant sound is the percussion and live electronics duo of genre trashing Ensemble Bash virtuoso, Joby Burgess and Liverpool based composer and live sound engineer, Matthew Fairclough. Coupled with specially created film, vintage computer imagery and live visuals from Bristol based visual artist Kathy Hinde, the trio has created an experimental and challenging repertoire fusing seminal percussion works alongside their own work, improvisations, commissioned material and a new version of Steve Reich’s hypnotic Electric Counterpoint for xylosynth.
Powerplant’s set of classic electronica from pioneering dance masters Kraftwerk was arranged in-conjunction with the composer of BBC TV's hit show Torchwood, Ben Foster and features the Elysian Quartet - one of the UK’s most innovative young ensembles, and the only British string quartet of its generation exclusively dedicated to twentieth century and contemporary music.
From September 2006 until June 2007, Powerplant worked on an ‘Item’ research grant from the Arts council of England hosted by FACT - Foundation for Arts & Creative Technology - in Liverpool. As a result of this work Powerplant will premiere a new commission from British minimalist, Graham Fitkin in November 2008. Also, in the coming months look out for Powerplant’s debut recording and a major new commission from composer/producer Gabriel Prokofiev.

Web Links

• www.myspace.com/powerplantjobyburgess