ALBUM ON BANDCAMP

Ten tracks are available for free streaming/$5 download at: https://robfrye.bandcamp.com/album/flux-bikes

Flux Bikes rotates around the idea of bicycle wheels as percussion instruments, incorporating West African rhythms, electro-acoustic techniques, and jazz improvisation.

released 05 December 2010
Rob Frye - bicycle wheels, saxophones, guitar, glockenspiel, bicycle chimes

FLUX RIDE LOS ANGELES

Paying homage to the Fluxus "Happenings," FLUX BIKES rides, led by Rob Frye, invite group participation for an exploration of both the sonic possibilities of bicycles and a physical space. With pre-recorded Flux Bikes loops emanating from Rob's portable speaker, the group took off to explore Highland Park and jam along the Arroyo Seco and Rio de Los Angeles bike paths. Using contact mics, looping techniques, chimes, bongos, bells and honkers, the riders filled the city with bicycle music. Another stop was made at the Bike Oven, a local non-profit bicycle Co-op that provided materials for the wind chimes.

Photos form Emily Frye and Colleen Rafferty.

FLUX RIDE CHICAGO

FLUX BIKES: a bicycle/audio tour of Chicago featuring solo performances by Rob Frye on bicycle wheel and saxophone. Riders were invited to make sounds with their own bicycles using catalpa seed pods and playing cards. This group ride was based on the Happenings associated with the Fluxus artists in the 1960's. There were surprises along the way (3D glasses and mural viewing) and conversation about the places along the route -- such as the 1968 Democratic National Convention protest sites in Lincoln Park, scrap metal yards, and the Bloomingdale Trail. FLUX BIKES started at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond in Lincoln Park and ended at the Boat House Pavilion in Humboldt Park.

Flux Bikes in the Reader

Thanks to Jeff Kowalkowski, Experimental Sound Station, Marta Sofia Honer and all the ryders!