michael andrew doherty     | about | compositions / cv| performance | contact |

Michael Andrew Doherty is a Colorado-based musicker (composer and performer) who specializes in shakuhachi.  In his music he has set out to continue the exploration and evolution of music into new expressions leading from Russolo, Satie, Cage, and Feldman, to the neo-minimalist movements of lower-case, digital minimalism and phonography.  His musicking, particularly since 2003, is an exploration into, and experimentation of, what in Japan is called "ma" (jp.間)- silence/space as an essential musical element.

It was logical then that in 2008 Michael came to the Japanese bamboo flute, shakuhachi, and began to study under Dai Shihan Michael "Chikuzen" Gould.  As a performer, shakuhachi has become the focal point of his music endeavors.  Other instruments include, but are limited to, hichiriki, duduk, piano, percussion, tile bells, and electronics.

Michael has collaborated with sound artistsToby Sinkinson, andBret Ellerton, on multiple projects over a number of years. Grey Sky, Wet Sky, a sound dialogue with Ellerton was released in 2009.  Projects with both artists are ongoing.  In addition, a small electronic / acoustic ensemble is currently being formed, a minimalist electronic pop group.

Compositionally speaking, he employs various means of notation, both tradition and untraditional (see "Compositions" page for examples) including graphic notation, time notation, proportional notation and  kinko-ryu notation. Previous experiments in compositional method have included traditional means, indeterminacy, interpenetration, and improvisation.  Other experiments have encompassed microtonal, phonographic, and electro-acoustic elements.

He received the 2005 award of "Best Avant-Garde Composer” by Denver's alternative newspaper Westword, and the “2005 Spotlight Award” for his sound design withParagon Theatre Ensemble.  His work has been compared to both John Cage and Alvin Lucier byParis Trans-Atlantic Magazine andNew Music Box (American Music Center), who said "definitely bares the phantom fingerprints of the King of Silence himself".  Michael has also worked in sound design and soundtrack composition, installation, live performance, and engineering, for both theater and motion picture works, of note forParagon Theatre Ensemble. 

Michael's previous musical endeavors include: Concresc_e_nce, The January Project, Bad Luck City (keys), [Untitled] (keys), Divine Anger (drums and keys), Headcleaner (programming and keys), Riboflavin (percussion), and Acuracy (keys, drums, etc.).

Sound... has a quality that silence brings; the deeper the silence the more the beauty of the sound is heard." -J.Krishnamurti