As a resident of Oakland, California for 21 years, I am continually attracted to its rich diversity in culture, landscape, and soundscape. From the natural beauty of its parks and bay, the vibrancy of nightlife and rich arts scene, and to its cultural diversity and activism, Oakland continues to inspire me as a human and an artist. 

"Oakland Soundscapes”, an extension of Patrick Cress' 2017 release, "Yosemite Soundscapes", combines field recordings captured in Oakland with compositions for saxophone, bass clarinet, voice, percussion, and keyboards, all performed by Patrick Cress. The project is intended to be a collaboration between the music of Patrick Cress and videography directed by Jamie DeWolf. You can see the accompanying Joaquin Miller video here: https://youtu.be/agR3KzW6U74

The “Oakland Soundscapes” suite is divided into five movements, highlighting the aural and visual diversity of Oakland; its wild, natural habitat, cultural diversity, nightlife, artistic fabric, and industry. Each movement has accompanying music and video, with a different theme. "Frank Ogawa Plaza/City Hall" focuses on public open space, public transit, inside and outside of City Hall. "Uptown/First Friday" brings into focus the vibrant arts and cultural scene on First Friday and the Uptown neighborhood, where diverse populations converge. "Port of Oakland" shows the convergence of industry and nature, with the wonder and brilliance and harshness of industry. "Lake Merritt", naturally beautiful, is a melting pot of culture, and many species of bird wildlife. Finally, "Joaquin Miller Park" invokes a meditative state where diverse plant and animal populations thrive among a dense population. 

We have lost consciousness of the natural soundscapes of Oakland, because of technology, and the business of our everyday lives. "Oakland Soundscapes" refocuses our attention on the textural sounds of our great city. How do we transform the "noise" of the city, and convert it into art? 

My offering is through music.

Oakland Soundscapes - "Joaquin Miller"

recorded at the Revolution Cafe in June of 2014.  Telepathy celebrates 12 years of ass kicking, original jazz that keeps toes tapping and moves the genre forward.  

Telepathy Darkness Prevails June 2014

on April 1, 2016 Telepathy celebrated 14 years of original, virtuosic, soulful music making in the San Francisco bay area.  Enjoy.  

Cold Slaw Process

on April 1, 2016 Telepathy celebrated 14 years of badass, original music making in the Bay Area.  Here's a track from that amazing evening.

Telepathy - GAGS - the Grass isn't Always Greener on the other Side

In 2010, scientist, Eric Berlow, and myself set out on a mission to find the, near extinct, Yosemite toad.  Eric was monitoring where they were breeding, while I became fixated on capturing their mating call.  On the last effort before having to head back to the bay area, I found 'em.  It was worth the effort!  I'm in the process of raising funds to incorporate this sound byte, and many others, in a ten-movement piece, called Yosemite Soundscapes.  You can learn more about the project here:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yosemitesoundscapes/patrick-cress-yosemite-soundscapes/dashboard?ref=creator_nav

Yosemite Toad

Mercury Falls is an electroacoustic, instrumental quartet, playing all original music. Since's the band's inception in 2010, they have recorded 2 albums, toured both nationally and internationally, and carry to torch for the bay area's original music scene.

Boundaries

Performed live in 2018 by Strike Iron. Composed by Michael Bello

Salamander Stand

I've been hiking the Redwood Regional Parks for 18 years, and have rarely stumbled upon this beautiful, chilling sound.

Coyotes near MacDonald Staging Area, Redwood Regional

Born out of Cress' "Yosemite Soundscapes", "Oakland Soundscapes" is a five movement suite depicting musical representations of the city Cress lives in. "Uptown/First Friday" brings into focus the vibrant arts and cultural scene on First Friday and the Uptown neighborhood, where diverse populations converge.

Uptown/First Friday

Telepathy's 11 year anniversary show at Awaken Cafe was an amazing one.  We featured a special guest for the evening on tenor.  This was the first tune of the evening and it just got better.  In my experience the virgin show of any Telepathy musician is challenging.  It's hard to make great music while reading these hard ass charts.  Our guest was able to help us create amazing energy while reading / playing his ass off!

Ashes To Ashes - Telepathy featuring Joshua Redman

Mercury Falls has had numerous incarnations since 2008. The current iteration, saxophone, guitar, electric bass, and drums, draws on influences, ranging from Miles Davis electric, Tortoise, David Torn, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Black, Claudia Quintet, and so many others. Covid-19 has made music almost impossible in 2020. We are excited and proud to be able to bring this tune to the world. Enjoy!
Patrick Cress - Alto Saxophone, Effects
Roger Riedlbauer - Guitar, Effects
Rob Ewing - Electric Bass, Rhodes, Keys
Tim Bulkley - Drums

Patrick_Cress

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