Throne of Bael Records, Waving Bye Records Composing Performer
An aggressive, wailing guitar sound--astonishing and extremely individual--that one has never heard before. Grigory Valov, TIF, Arkhangel'sk, Russia
VIDEOS
SHORT BIO
My Channel
"Excellent tone palette, well balanced hues that capture the spirit of an innovative thought. Great compositions." Versuchsanordnung, ReverbNation Comments, Cologne, Germany
"fantastic atmosphere,,,,,,,cool." Radio (Kljajić Radoslav) And Friends, SoundCloud comment on Impaled Dreams of the Believer Part 2, Čakovec, Croatia
"He invented a new technique of playing while continuously changing the pitch of his electric guitar." Svetlana Korel'skaya, ARKHANGEL'SK, Arkhangel'sk, Russia
"If such is possible, he has extended the boundaries of improvisation and presentation, breaking new ground for younger and inquisitive musicians. Five enthusiastic stars!" Bruce Smith, Facebook comments, Sanford, Maine, USA
John Bruce Wallace is a free jazz solo performer interested in freely improvised music with a focus on generating extended sound statements within the options afforded through solo performance. An acknowledged, accomplished guitar virtuoso working to create a new voice for the electric guitar, creating a new approach to the instrument, John Bruce Wallace is an incredibly challenging improviser, master of tonal dimension, expander of compositional style. Incorporating an aggressive, extremely individual wailing guitar sound that one has never heard before he invented a new technique of playing while continuously changing the pitch of his electric guitar. Utilizing sizzling electric distortion, thick and saturated tone, in free improvisation, he revamped the modern guitar tradition and, using the technical possibilities of his instrument, transferred it into an individual sound language tapping the human interior's post pro-harmonic feedback. The music is clearly developed, powerful, and expressive, takes advantage of strange techniques, weaving very diverse textures into incredible legendary sounds. He has extended the boundaries of improvisation and presentation, breaking new ground for younger and inquisitive musicians.
AUDIO MUSIC
PHOTOS
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY: pRESS AND mEDIA
[I]ncredibly interesting guitar improvisation, [i]f you are into guitar you will be into this from John Bruce Wallace. Incredibly talented. Susie Mudd, MARYLAND MUSICIAN, Baltimore, MD
Wallace is one of those rare exceptions. Charles S. Russell, EAR MAGAZINE, New York, NY
He has a really fascinative musical vision, Micah Solomon, President Oasis Disc Manufacturing
Solo guitarist John Bruce Wallace, in free improvisation, revamped the modern guitar tradition and, using the technical possibilities of his instrument, transferred it into an individual sound language. Bernd Jahnke (1992) Presentation Zeitgenoessischer Spielarten Improvisierter Musik Vilnius '91". Jazz Podium No. 1 1992, Stuttgart, Germany
His sizzling electric distortion...thick and saturated tone captures a kind of steel industrial sound, gently relating to the development of the urban situation, and technological society on which he comments, and to the worldly issues faced by modern development. Wallace's music comes out like a giant question with no apparent answer...tapping the human interior's post pro-harmonic feedback. LaDonna Smith, the improvisor, Birmingham, AL
He plays with a loud, sustained, rockish tone but within that range he leaves room for varied expression…Wallace’s aggressive guitar sound finds its roots in the guitar noise of Glenn Branca and Rhys Chapman. Sonny Sharrock and Jimi Hendrix are also in evidence…[I]ndividual sustain-drenched notes hang in the air, decaying naturally. Robert Iannapollo, CADENCE, Redwood, NY
He takes advantage of] strange techniques and shows a definite John Cage, Fred Frith influence ... [The music is] great for people who like Petr Eben, Stravinsky, and perhaps even Hutchenson. Tea Gracious, The Insider No. 13, Washington, DC
Wallace can very obviously play. [L]engthy meditations, often very spiked and twisted...often wild and unpredictable. Ken Egbert, OPTIONS, Santa Monica, CA
Wallace interprets the improvised pieces with many harmonics, with inconsistent rhythms over fractured changes. Philippe Renaud, NOTES, Nantes, France
[The] solo electric-guitar improvisations…[v]iolent yet lyrical, feature squeals, buzzes, squawks, and other Fripperies…non-overdubbed electric attack and decay...[H]is playing is a lot less predictable than that of many guitar warriors, and the best of it has a savage beauty that Eddie Van Halen couldn't achieve with six months of overdubs. Mark Jenkins, WASHINGTON CITY PAPER, Washington, DC
[R]efreshing to hear music of such originality and quality for a change. Don Reimus, WOUI Radio, Chicago, IL
[A] composer working to create a new voice for the electric guitar...creating a new approach to the instrument. Tim Brady, Opus Novus, Bradyworks, Codes d'Acces, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The music is clearly developed, powerful, and expressive. Rick Petrie, WITR Radio, Rochester, NY
Utterly unique in a Fripp and Eno sense. Excellent soundscapes and playing. Steve Inglis, ReverbNation Comments, Edinburgh, Scotland
You get some very diverse textures from such a deliberately minimalist rig. Impressive, indeed. Winston Psmith, Winston Psmith Project, Washington, DC
THE STORY CONTINUES
John embodies the mastery of emotions in his playing. Several people familiar with his Sound Improvisions have likened them to a “Sound Track to Life”. One noting that while he was watching events unfold in his urban neighborhood it struck him that the music was a perfect audio backing to the developing street situations. After a performance in Arkhangel’sk Russia, a veteran of the USSR’s Afghanistan war told John that the music experience was a catharsis relieving the pain he endured on the loss of several friends during engagements in that conflict.The emotive quality of the improvisation released those emotions, freeing him to move on in his life. The strength of emotive expression crossed cultural and language boundaries in a universal expression.
He has shared performance billings with: Tim Hodgkinson, Ken Hyder, Evan Ziporyn, John King, Vladimir Tarasov, ZGA, Enver Izmailov, Burhan Ocal, and Jazz Band Arkhangel'sk as well as many others. Tours have included festivals in Russia and Lithuania, where he was awarded fourth place at the Vilnius Jazz Festival. His music was invited for performance consideration at the American Pavilion during the 1991 São Paulo Art Biennial, in São Paulo, Brazil. Unique Performances have included a performance at a New York City Institute for the Mentally Disabled, as well as street performances.
He has recorded and release over forty albums of extended sound statements, through either Throne of Bael Records or Waving Bye Records available via various sites on the Internet. He has recorded collaborations with Siegfried Grundmann, Wilfried Hanrath (Hauchzart Ensemble), Antonella Eye Porcelluzzi, Michel Mnomized, Pete Swinton, and Ewald Wöstefeld (Vaders Orchestra). In addition to his solo recordings, John has had compositions included in two compilations on Throne of Bael Records. His recordings have received radio and Internet airplay across the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Central and South America, Australia, and Asia. His performances and recordings have been reviewed in leading foreign and domestic trade journals and publications. Videos or audio released materials are available at the following sites, to mention a few:
Bandcamp - https://johnbrucewallaceakajacewbal.bandcamp.com/releases ;
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzHyNo4hNOcWfmH609u9mcg ;
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/john-bruce-wallace ;
https://soundcloud.com/john-bruce-wallace/albums ;
as well as my Web Site - http://jacewbal.wixsite.com/mysite
Heard on the Street: a Compilation of Comments from musicians and fans
I have known John Bruce Wallace all my life. He is a true Musician who has a deep love for music. John uses no sound boxes only his hands. I would strongly recommend giving this a listen and watch how he plays for he is something to see. He copies no one. 5 Stars. I remember the day you blew the neighborhood's mind away when you plugged in your new red Gibson SG and Fender amp and let her rip! I just finished listening to " Memories" It was actually refreshing and I liked it because of it's "I don't give a damn" attitude. I found the music very unsettling and raw John. But I guess that is it's intention. So very well done. Awesome wild stuff John. Very primal. Well done. This has echoes of early Alice Cooper Group. I like the Mood or atmosphere,brilliant. Your playing is cool. Wow, Abstract and Futuristic. Highly abstract music reaching into the depths of the individual. Yo you got that vibe and your vision is fkn ridiculous bro on point! Awesome guitar work. [B]rother!! this is incredible!! legendary sounds man!! Like those Live Videos and to see you doing stuff in real time. You can see a tons of Videos with guys playing guitar,most of them bore me with technical skills. You'rs are different,it's "real music" happening that moment,not trying to demonstrate or show something. Amazing. I just think it's good, totally crazy, but you can see it, what is played ...., and the virtuoso. Excellent tone palette, well balanced hues that capture the spirit of an innovative thought. Great compositions. Reminding me smthg (something) of Buckethead. Utterly unique in a Fripp and Eno sense. Excellent soundscapes and playing. Fantastic atmosphere,,,,,,cool. Makes me think of when we first received your recorded “Tapes” (forever long ago lol) we would play them every weekend morning and dance around imagining tons of different scenes that only a child can muster loved it then and just as much now!! Think Smurf’s and Gargamel, Magical Adventure Fantasy Lands, flying unicorns with all the possible Adventures one could imagine both bright and dark. Generally ending happily great times. Hey, I just want to thank you for your existence. I'm not able to find words for the feeling I have when I listen to your songs. It was pure chance that I have found you on N1M..and I'm so glad about it. Well, keep spreading your music! [Y]our music is absolutely awesome and reflects my mood for today. i will follow your updates here and share your stuff as often as i can..all the best!! Definitely would like to hear more. It sounds like you put in some solid work. I am here almost every day in hopes of some new music from you.You're awesome. Honestly you are amazing, your music is amazing. Love the recordings! It sounds like you've taken great care, thought and have excellent taste. Plus you have created great songs. I am impressed with the music you do. You work so hard and everyone knows it because everyone can feel it in your music. You're so inspirational, and Thank you for that. You get some very diverse textures from such a deliberately minimalist rig. Impressive, indeed. [T]he hunting of sounds......,magnific...wow....., it’s hunting for sounds…. [D]efinitely kicks ass! Some FIRE work! Way to rock it dude, cool effects! I know the music of John Bruce Wallace for about two years and I find really great what he does. When I heard it for the first time I knew I'm not alone there are more guerrilla Artists. Your N1M page has been distributed to all my social accounts. Let's raise your army of fans! Your music is worth listening to and worth buying. I've known John for over forty years. He is steeped in the theory and the aesthetics of music, and brings a unique immediacy to each performance. If such is possible, he has extended the boundaries of improvisation and presentation, breaking new ground for younger and inquisitive musicians. Five enthusiastic stars!
Comments and commentary are from comment posts to my tracks on SoundCloud, Facebook, ReverbNation, YouTube, numberonemusic.com, as well as various Radio, Concert and Recording Reviews. They come from: Australia, England, Scotland, Russia, Germany, Italy, Canada, Lithuania, Croatia, Serbia, Poland, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, United States (Maine, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, California, New York, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, South Carolina, Michigan, District of Columbia)
Some Radio Stations and Internet Online Audio
John Bruce Wallace is interested in establishing free-improvisation musical dialogues. He is available for international tours, festivals, and solo performance events. His music is available for video and performance accompaniment.
Please contact by Email: jacewbal@mindspring.com