LE096

Carlos Niño & Kofi Flexxx met in London somewhere, at some point, that neither of them totally remembers, then later in Venice Beach in 2018 at the venue that Niño runs (below Townhouse) on Windward Avenue. They had been listening to each other's music for a while and became quick friends. While on tour in California Flexxx reached out to Niño about playing Duets and the two met up at Studio 4 West in Venice Beach on
Monday, March 11, 2019. Niño refers to Studio 4 West (that he works in often) as a “treasure chest”. ‘In the Moment, Part 3’ is the final improvisation from that Session. It was recorded by engineer Andy Kravitz, and the mix was made on the spot.

Both Niño and Flexxx are prolific producers, frequently collaborating with a wide array of artists, and always deeply listening. What Andy sent them home with wasn't touched, The two thought it was perfect as is. Niño set up a large percussion rig and also utilised drums and other instruments that were in the narrow apartment studio, located steps from the Venice Beach boardwalk. Flexxx brought his tenor saxophone that day. It could have been clarinet, or flute, but tenor was the Vibe that day. The two opened up and created for two hours, without discussing anything regarding their approach. Niño says, “It was all psychic, together, us spontaneously composing”. When finished, they packed their instruments
and listened back while Andy finished the mix.

Of this piece, Kofi Flexxx commented to Niño in an email “The recording sounds amazing! Was such a special session, so glad we got a good document of our first duo connection.”

Artist notes:
For me, extended, deep listening is it! I listen a lot and journey eternally within. Hearing and feeling, in, of, with and around, playing music is extending, deeply listening, being at once totally present, intaking, and expressing, expanding and contracting, pulsating, in connection, communion with yourself, with instruments, with environments, with others, with an audience. As a very active LP, cassette and files collector with a vast collection, I am often listening to recordings of various lengths and sounds. I have been interested in making an offering to Longform Editions since I was first introduced to it by Matthew David of Leaving Records. Here’s to pieces that wouldn't easily fit onto a side of vinyl, or even two sides. Here’s to recordings that would rarely be played in full on the radio. These are pieces that by intention are allowed to blossom, ripple, stretch, reach, and feel even more. I love it! – Carlos Niño

Recorded and Mixed by Andy Kravitz at Studio 4 West in Venice Beach on Monday, March 11, 2019

Mastered by Simon Scott at SPS Mastering

Carlos Niño leads his group Carlos Niño & Friends carlosnino.bandcamp.com/music

Kofi Flexxx travels the world, composing, arranging, producing, recording and performing.