Performing live on a pair of huge invented musical instruments, the Duo of acclaimed composer, performer & instrument inventor Paul Dresher and percussionist-extraordinaire Joel Davel consistently generates "an exciting sense of mystery and surprise." (Portland Press Herald)

Playing the 15-foot Quadrachord or the 10-foot Hurdy Grande, and featuring Don Buchla’s magical Marimba Lumina and Lightning controller, Dresher and Davel create lush textures and rhythmically propulsive grooves that fascinate the ear and the eye. Exploring unique sound-colors amplified by live digital looping, this electro-acoustic duo creates complex sonic layers as rich as a full orchestra. 

Audiences are sonically immersed and visually overwhelmed both by the sight and sound of these sculptural inventions as by the energetic and imaginative ways Dresher and Dave interact with them physically.

"The two invented instruments... were visually fascinating. With a bass groove, upper range sounds that brought to mind vocal yips, sirens, slide guitar, majestic organs, and more; it was like hearing the world being created."

San Francisco Classical Voice

"Dresher... One of the most interesting among the current scene of active composers."

San Francisco Classical Music Examiner

"Supremely inventive... The novelty of the instruments, not to mention Dresher’s and Davel’s imaginative use of them, gave the proceedings an exciting sense of mystery and surprise."

Allan Kozinn, Portland Press Herald

Biographies:

• Paul Dresher - Bio

• Joel Davel - Bio

Selected Press:

• Concert Review: Rehearsal Studio (2023)

• Concert Review: San Francisco Classical Voice (2019)

• Concert Review: San Francisco Classical Voice (2018)

• Concert Review: Portland Press Herald

• Concert Preview: News Review

• Profile: New Music Box

• Profile: San Francisco Classical Voice

Technical Info:

• Dresher Davel Invented Instrument Duo - Tech Rider