Si Paton performs improvised solo prepared bass guitar. His work draws from the traditions of free jazz, harsh noise, metal, hardcore punk, 20th century classical, and Fluxus performance practices, which are all incorporated during his shows.
Armed with multiple distortion pedals, screwdrivers, drumsticks, pencils, and anything that the previous band left onstage, he has crafted compelling performances that consist of virtuosic free jazz one minute, dense walls of harsh noise the next, before utilising a stage presence that contains the chaotic energy that Andy Kaufman pioneered.
He has been known to play whilst climbing on tables, engage in staring contests with unsuspecting audience members, recite wrestling promos, and generally disregard his own safety. Whilst never quite completely fitting neatly onto any lineup he is a part of, he has nevertheless impressed audiences with his musical risk taking, off-beat showmanship, and sheer intensity.
Whilst active in the improvised music community, performing internationally with renowned figures, he has developed his solo performances with the precision of a well-crafted composition. His work, both in the worlds of music academia and the DIY community have earned him many admirers over the years.
Si Paton is a composer, improviser, bassist, academic, event curator, noisemaker, smart mouth and general antagonist. He has completed his PhD at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and previously studied electric bass and jazz composition at University of West London.
As an improviser, he has played with many well known figures, and was previously the bassist and bandleader in the math-jazz group Selectric. His solo performances, the trans-Atlantic no wave duo Phame, as well as a duo with drummer Rob Nettleship are currently his most prominent projects. He was previously the founder and curator of Thinking/Not Thinking Fest, and currently runs the concert series Don’t Mind Control.
Asuttuaan Suomessa nyt lähes 20 vuotta, Alex Reedin musiikki (joka on tehty kaikella muulla paitsi tavallisella kitaralla) on kollaasi, joka elää ja uusiutuu popin ja rockin paikallisessa underground-sienirihmastoissa – jossa rajoja ei ole. Tuu katsomaan häntä livenä!