Eli Wise is a songwriter, poet, improviser, and performer who grew up listening to Rock ‘n’ Roll, and never stopped. Wise believes in songs because songs tell stories and the essence of each culture lives in its myths, past and present. A performer can act as a mediator, able to renew and recreate history. Eli has performed as a solo musician in the Bay Area and is currently forming a band and recording a full-length album. You can visit http://www.myspace.com/eliwise for more information and to hear songs. This May will mark the completion of Eli’s formal graduate studies in composition at Mills College.
In Search of a Beautiful Moment, Part One … guitar solo
I remember the first time I improvised in a group setting on the electric guitar. I had a feeling of reaching for something and not capturing it. When it was over, I realized that I might not have gotten “there” but that I felt something powerful in the connection with other players. This work is a dedication to the process of uncovering individuality. Thank you to those who have given me inspiration.
Old Enough For Regrets
With the Eli Wise Band
(Song order may change)
- Old Enough for Regrets
- Been awhile
- In Search of a Beautiful Moment, Part Two
- Nerve
- Precipice
These songs each deal with change. The different characters have varied relationships to it—some try desperately to hold onto the present moment, some live only in the shadow of what’s past, some push forward with no second thoughts. Below is an excerpt from “In Search of a Beautiful Moment, part two.”
I throw stars at you and they turn into rocks, you say magnetic doesn’t mean much I flinch and you stare like glass against black … [in search of one beautiful moment] you turn your face away [in search of one beautiful moment] I break to pieces now I don’t know if we’ll ever be human again
The Band:
Eli Wise: Guitar and voice
Damon Waitkus: Voice
Kristine Barrett: Voice
Jon Brenner: Bass
Fred Frith: Bass
Kanoko Nishi: Piano and koto
Alee Karim: Guitar
Jim Kassis: Drums
Many thanks to the band!