Founded in 2004, CAPITAL M is an innovative electric chamber ensemble that seeks real and total integration between modern classical music and vernacular styles such as rock and jazz. Boasting an all-star lineup of improvising musicians, Capital M performs intricate compositions with all the blistering energy and sonic chaos of a heavy metal band. Such versatility enables Capital M to engage a wide variety of musical material without a second thought, whether it's concept pieces by the likes of Frederic Rzewski, collective free improvisations, or music written especially for the group by outside composers.
Current members of Capital M include guitarist Mike Gamble (the Inbetweens, Bootyjuice), drummer John Hadfield (Michael Gordon Philharmonic, Music from China, Maya Trio), reed player Peter Hess (Anti-Social Music, Guignol, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Collide Saxophone Quartet), bassist Bradley Kemp (the Bunkbeds, Kilter), and guitarist Kyle Sanna (Christina Courtin, Mark Gould's Pink Baby Monster). Ian Moss contributes wordless vocals heavily processed through the use of guitar effects. In March 2006, Capital M presented its first-ever World Premieres Extravaganza with new works by Frank J. Oteri, Stefan Zeniuk, Ian Moss, Bradley Kemp, and Monika Heidemann. Other appearances have included the 2006 Full Force Festival curated by John Zorn, the 2005 CMJ Music Marathon, the Knitting Factory Tap Bar (including performances with Elliott Sharp and Todd Reynolds), Galapagos, the Bowery Poetry Club, the 2005 21st Century Schizoid Music Festival, the Zeitgeist Gallery in Cambridge, MA, and the Millcreek Tavern in Philadelphia, PA.The name Capital M comes from "Music with a Capital M," a term used by Moss's college music history professor to indicate music regardless of genre (as seen for example in the textbook title 20th Century Music). Capital M has adopted the term to identify and celebrate music that intentionally challenges traditional boundaries, particularly those separating classical music from the larger popular consciousness.
