Instigations Soundtracks For Alternate Realities CD

The Instigations, brainchild of composer/multi-instrumentalist Owen Green, has roots that can be traced back to 1979 Los Angeles. In the wake of the punk movement (which some may consider on the down swing circa 1979). Owen, a long time progressive rock enthusiast, got a few of his old friends together to experiment with what could be considered applying a stripped down punk rock damage ethic to progressive rock ideas and vice versa. The result of this incarnation produced several memorable compositions and improvisations including 'Aggravated Assault', a 'punk' song written in a whole tone scale. When this was submitted to Frank Zappa's record company, it was soundly rejected, as well it should have been! These low-grade recordings will likely never see the light of day. As the 1980's got underway The Instigations then developed, with the aid of an expanded line up that added keyboards and winds, into a more prog/jazz based ensemble. This material consisted of skeletal compositions highlighted by extended improvisations and solos from the participating musicians. What remained of the 'punk ethic' was a complete rejection of the pretense and pomposity that had brought down the prog rock and fusion jazz of the previous decade. A cassette release (hey! remember cassettes?) called 'Gagging The Maggot' was released in 1988 and actually received some college radio airplay as well as some positive reviews. As the 90's came along, Owen was involved with various experimental ensembles (including an 'experience' with Dr. Eugene Chadbourne) which led to a new project: 'Two Separate Gorillas' (2SG). Many of the ideas first explored with the Instigations were developed and refined further, especially with the advent of the digital age, with 2SG. A well received eponymous CD was released in 2004.