THE NOVA MOB
Wacko Jazz
[spring/summer 1974]
Influences: Avant Garde Bebop Neo Classical
Johnny Ellis: Drums, voice, composer
Ben Miller: Alto Saxophone, composer
Laurence Miller: Bb and Bass Clarinet, composer
Donnie Davis: Alto Saxophone, composer
Conrad Gary Csogi {alternating w/Johnny}: Drums
THE NOVA MOB (name taken from William Burroughs' book The Nova Express) was a Boston based band born from
the ashes of THE CRUZONIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE, forming shortly after The Ensemble's concert at Berklee College
February 1974. Though still retaining a lose free form improvisational approach, The Mob's compositions
became more closely knit and of higher contrast opposed to the heavier handed Cruzonic approach.
the ashes of THE CRUZONIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE, forming shortly after The Ensemble's concert at Berklee College
February 1974. Though still retaining a lose free form improvisational approach, The Mob's compositions
became more closely knit and of higher contrast opposed to the heavier handed Cruzonic approach.
The Heart of THE NOVA MOB below
June 1974 Symphony Road, Boston MA.
{Photography by David Swain} LAURENCE: snorkel BEN: spray paint, etc. JOHNNY: cymbal for a hat and...
By late 1973 Laurence was reported to waking up to music in his head, as a result of the clanking rhythms of
the steam radiator in his bedroom. Inspired by this relatively random subconscious intrusion, he devised
a simple barbaric system called Mirror Image Harmony. This paved the way for his creative,
arbitrary guess work in composition, as close to John Cage as Laurence ever hoped.
the steam radiator in his bedroom. Inspired by this relatively random subconscious intrusion, he devised
a simple barbaric system called Mirror Image Harmony. This paved the way for his creative,
arbitrary guess work in composition, as close to John Cage as Laurence ever hoped.
"Uh... what kind of harmony are you using in this composition, sir?
"Mirror Image..."
" ____________ "
expressing attitude on the roof of Symphony Road apartments in Boston summer 1974
The music of THE NOVA MOB will some day be digitally remastered and
set forth on an independent CD collection. That'll be the day.
