J. A. Devor: Onward Great Maintainer, Percussion and Amplified Double Bass

About the Composition

Inspired by the cyclical notion of rhythm, especially in aural musical traditions, Onward Great Maintainer combines an assortment of metals, rattles, and basslines with pounding additive rhythms unevenly separated. Opening with reoccurring crystalline harmonics, the heaviness of the forward onslaught breaks the listener away from any sense of fragile sound. 

The maintainer's job is to keep in existence, to preserve what has been. At what point does maintaining prove futile, but then again, what other options do we as individuals have?

Commissioned by and written for Lucas Conant.

About the Composer

James A. Devor is an American composer, sound artist, and double bassist whose music searches to implement an array of experimental sounds while grappling with human emotions. He completed his MM in music composition at The Hartt School – University of Hartford in 2023 and has received BMs in music theory/composition and music education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. James’ private instructors include Libby Larsen, Robert Carl, Ken Steen, Daron Hagen, Robert Maggio, and Gilda Lyons, and he has been a participant at Song Source – MNSong, New Music on the Point, Wintergreen Composer’s Retreat, Sō Percussion Workshop, Sewanee Winterfest, and the European American Musical Alliance.

Renowned for his lyrical yet modern approach to American art songs, James has had his music performed across the globe. Most recently, his work has been heard at the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers New Music Festival, New Music Mosaic’s Timbre Vol. 3 virtual concert, NACUSA National Conference, the Annual Research on Contemporary Composition Conference at University of North Georgia, and the Contemporary Music Lab at the European University of Cyprus.

Above all, James’ music finds manners to solidly focus on collaborating with performers and audience engagement. His recent work has delved into how live electronics can enhance and supplement the sound of musicians in real-time. Find out more about James on his website.