The Manhattan Book of the Dead (1995)
The Manhattan Book of the Dead was my response to the ongoing AIDS crisis that was plaguing NYC (and elsewhere in the late 80s-mid 90s). I just felt like I needed to do something more concrete than merely going about my business. Putting my own particular talents to use seemed like a good way to go about it, and it was cathartic for me as well. It explored many sides of my musical personality—including the first “songs” I’d written in many years. But it also had some of the most advanced just intonation drone pieces and corresponding rhythmic structures I’d ever done. Also, the root/fifth drones heard throughout much of it was two ebows on the piano—I believe the first time that had been done..
Director: Ching Valdes-Aran
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Thomas Buckner as The Survivor |
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Lisa Karrer as Ambivalent Angel |
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Karen Goldfeder as Ambivalent Angel |
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Karen Haight as Ambivalent Angel |
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Pascal Benichou as Dancer |
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Cavin Bodouin as Dancer |
| Sound | Petr Kotik | Conductor |
| Crew | Gloria McLean | Choreographer |
| Camera | Dave Geary | Camera Operator |
| Sound | David First | Music |
| Writing | David First | Writer |
| Directing | Ching Valdes-Aran | Director |
