In a recent interview with the BA, musician Ian Ethan Case told us: “I try to keep that sense of mortal, human ego out of it completely because that’s the only way that I can clearly discern what’s really there in the music…what Truth is really telling me and showing me.”
Ian will be giving a special concert at the BA on February 3. He has performed in over 60 music halls, teahouses, colleges, and cafes across the US. He has also appeared on television and radio stations in California, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.
Ian began exploring music at the age of five, while taking piano lessons using the Suzuki Method. From there he branched out, eventually learning to play the drums, saxophone, guitar, and African kalimba. All of Ian’s musical background (including studies at Berklee College of Music) seemed to lead to his discovery of the instrument he is most known for playing today, the double-necked guitar.
When asked if the playing process was intuitive, Ian explained, “I think of it almost…in a way, like prayer. It’s really listening for what’s there.” Later, he went on to say, “Take away all the wood and strings and other equipment and…the whole human picture that’s physically associated with music, and what’s left [are] just these ideas…and that’s what I’m really trying to tune into.”
Along with the double-necked guitar, kalimba, and fretless guitar, Ian incorporates a looping device into his live performance — which allows him to layer sounds while playing. Ian pointed out that, “Sometimes if I don’t explain it well, people think that there [is] an audio CD I [am] playing along [with], but it’s all live.”
To hear samples of his music, learn more about Ian Ethan himself, and to read audience comments, visit ianethan.com.
“with thought atuned to hear and know” MBE