Support More Adventurous Music

As a member of the local adventurous music community, I want to thank the Chronicle and Michael Chamy for helping to promote last weekend's wonderful Austin Eye + Ear series of the Cinematexas festival ["Music Recommended," Sept. 19]. The festival is a jewel in the local cultural landscape. In addition to their excellent film offerings, Cinematexas gives the "Live Music Capital of the World" the rare opportunity to see some of the most accomplished figures in contemporary music and sound art. This year's concerts by John Butcher, Kaffe Matthews, Andy Moor, and Amsterdam's the Ex were astounding! Kudos to Cinematexas for their commitment to the avant-garde across all artistic disciplines.
   I feel it is necessary to point out some minor errors and inaccuracies in last week's plug. Electronic musician Kaffe Matthews is from London, England, and not Australia as stated. Also, Michael Chamy alludes to the Ex's broad and expansive approach to punk rock by mentioning their collaborations with world and experimental musicians. Specifically, Chamy mentions that they have worked with improvising violinists. Chamy is more than likely referring to the Ex's pioneering work with the American cellist and improvisor Tom Cora, a very influential but underacknowledged master who died a few years ago. It may not seem like a big deal, but creative music is so misunderstood that I felt it had to be mentioned.
   In the last five years, Austin has seen an upsurge in local independent creative-music activity. Major international figures in experimental and improvised music have performed to large and very appreciative audiences. I implore the Chronicle to publish reviews (good or bad) of some of these concerts. The Chronicle is the paper of record for documenting Austin's cultural vitality, and I am sure that many of your readers would appreciate reading about this activity.