After keeping a relatively low profile in the last year, Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood spoke out about the band’s new musical experimentation and a rare live appearance at the London Ether Festival. According to the Guardian newspaper in the U.K., original collaborations from both Greenwood and Thom Yorke will be part of the festival, along with performances from classical composers and traditional Arabic music.
Greenwood made it clear that working with classical music will not develop into a full time occupation and his heart remains with Radiohead. In fact, he said working in the classical medium was somewhat inappropriate. "It's childish because none of us can play jazz like Alice Coltrane and none of us can write the kind of music that Penderecki does. We’ve only got guitars and a basic knowledge of music, but we reach for these things and miss. That’s what’s cool about it."
He added, "There’s something about classical musicians — they tend to be totally without ego, and so enthusiastic, but also just so talented." And of course, there is the matter of that immensely successful band Yorke and Greenwood play in. Any word on the new Radiohead album, Jonny?
"We're rehearsing at the moment, and again it's fun. We all want to push forward, and when you have five people who are all like that, you couldn't ask for a better thing." Sounds good. Now get to work. |
