Simon Lloyd - Two-minute improvisation #10: Mostly 11|16

One of the ways I practise improvisation is by creating short, complete pieces which are under two minutes long. No timer is running; the aim is to judge the time as well as the musical material to create the piece within the time limit. This forces you to communicate your ideas directly; you don't have 5 minutes for vague development. It is an exercise in brevity.

Themes are thought of on the spur of the moment; this improvisation is mostly in 11/16 which give a fun, slightly wonky 3/4 feel. The Carmelite Priory is on a main road in London and external noises are often a problem when recording - the siren at the end is an excellent example!
Further information about the 1965 Downes/Walker organ of the Carmelite Priory, London can be found here:

Although modest in size and somewhat quirky, the scheme is exceptionally cohesive and, helped by the Priory's wonderful acoustic, gives the impression of a much larger instrument.

Recorded with Oktava MK 012 omni microphones and a Zoom Q8.

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