During the course of curating, compiling and project managing Miniatures 2020, I have generated a lot of new collaborative partnerships, friendships and connections.

I had previously been aware of Unfolk and was familiar with some of their material. During the course of this year I have also discovered a shared love of the Third Ear Band, who are cited as a great inspiration for Alessandro Monti. 

I was absolutely delighted to receive this seasonal greeting from Alessandro and felt compelled to share it in the blog. 
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Dear Barry,

waiting for the Miniatures 2020 release to appear, on the occasion of the Christmas holidays I send an exclusive tune that you can listen to with your loved ones, young and old, near and far... next to the Xmas tree (!) It is one of the most famous Christmas themes and in particular my favourite since I was a child: I believe that this new version preserves its beauty and joyful atmosphere... I used mixed techniques (Musique concrète, Plunderphonics & Computer work).

All the best - Season's greetings

alessandro monti :: unfolk
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Technical Notes 

On assembling the piece I didn't use the multitrack function available on Audacity, but I only worked straight on one track: the full original recording. Then I decided to cut it into many sections and add different processing to each one of them: speed variations, effects and editing etc. At the end I merged all sections to get a new version of the tune.

Is this musique concrète?
No, because I did not use a tape recorder nor razor blades nor scissors.

Is this turntablism?
No, because I did not use a turntable but an mp3 of the track.

Is this a remix?
No, because I didn't use multitracks.

So what is this?
Perhaps the result is closer to plunderphonics (I added all copyright details). For me it's just another way to enjoy the playback of the finished recording, a personal need... and it certainly would be great to try more variations on other favourite pieces of music!
- Alessandro Monti

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Sleigh Ride (written by Parish/Anderson - ASCAP)

taken from That Happy Christmas Feeling by The Organ Orchestra (RCA Camden LP, 1959), it contains elements of Adeste Fideles performed by Harold Smart & Jimmy Blades (Decca)

Reconstructedby Alessandro Monti (December 2020)

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The Unfolk contribution to Miniatures 2020 is a real audio treasure. You can discover more here: www.unfolkam.wordpress.com