The Group as It Is Today
Background
Information on The Red Crayola published June 1, 1967[1]
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THE RED CRAYOLA is comprised of (left to right in photograph) STEVE CUNNINGHAM, 18, who has studied philosophy at the University of St. Thomas. MAYO THOMPSON, 23, who has studied Art History at the University of St. Thomas and French at the Sorbonne. RICK BARTHELME, 23, who has studied Art at Tulane University, the University of Houston, and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
(Once an audible circumstance occurs, that material which will have been registered in memory, may yield to executive and stylistic concerns, yet this static documentation of recalled impressions is necessarily subsequent to the continually changing instance of our music in relation to linear, sequential time. It is the case that we will make our music, period.)
The group as it is today was established in September, 1966. At that time most of the music (rock) was written by the group. By December, 1966, all of the group's material was original, including distinct sections of improvisation which in performance were begun freely by mutual assent. These "Free pieces" were a definite part of any performance, and while at the beginning were rock derivative, they gradually became freer as the members began to question the concept of rhythmic structure as well as dependence on traditional rock instruments. By February, 1967, these "free pieces" were the staple of the group and had been extended by inviting all interested parties to participate in performance. A minimum of control was exercised over t his now companion group (The Familiar Ugly), and all unrehearsed activity was encouraged and accepted. While working with this performance-group structure, the group was approached by International Artists Producing Corporation and contracted to produce their first LP. In March, 1967, with The Familiar Ugly, the group recorded a three hour "free piece" and this forms the basis of the album, "THE PARABLE OF ARABLE LAND". Currently (June 1, 1967), the Crayola has returned to using three pieces (the original group). The present preoccupation is with sound as structural element and system simultaneously.
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