Michael Straus

Press - Performance Quotes

"In contrast to the formal wear of all other performers, alto saxophonist Michael Straus, who resides in Amsterdam and specializes in performing multi-media music, strode onstage in khakis, with a headband and without shoes. He took a seat in front of a series of electronic devices and a computer monitor. After an aggressive opening gesture, Straus performed Coburn's emptiness [reflection] with astonishing control. The work calls on Straus to play numerous multiphonics (more than one note at a time) and microtones (pitches in between pitches on the piano) at an extremely low dynamic, which is almost impossible on the saxophone. To add to the pressure, Straus's saxophone was run through a delay effect much of the time so that any mistake would be both amplified and repeated a number of times. But Straus rose to the occasion and executed each of these musical feats with exceptional control and musicality. He also controlled the video and sound manipulations with a foot pedal attached to his Apple computer – providing a reason for his lack of footwear!"
• Benjamin Boone, Music Critic Fresno

"I really wasn't prepared to be unprepared on March 23, 2011. Wallenberg was hosting the guest artists M2Duo, a pair of guys who have revolutionized the limits of music. The duet is made up of Matthew Burtner and Michael Straus, both of whom have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the field of experimental music . . . their performance was unlike anything I've ever heard. It was truly unique and innovative."
• Daniel Reine, Augustana Observer

"A sonic and visual experience unlike any other."
• St. Cloud Times

"The EAR duo, consisting of bassoonist Dana Jessen and saxophonist Michael Straus, was an unexpected delight to hear perform. Their repertoire was admirable for its range of creativity . . . their final piece, Terry Riley's Dorian Reeds, was the strongest of their performance. Originally a solo improvisational piece, this version was scored for bassoon, soprano saxophone, tape delay system and video accompaniment. The two played relatively simple lines with a delay, often interacting and playing off of their own echoes. The combined sound of six, seven, eight layered echos each created an overpowering feeling emotionally. If it weren't for the poor choice of venue, I have a feeling they would've let the piece get louder and louder until it was completely overwhelming; the piece felt akin to something Godspeed You! Black Emperor might perform. A short film Looking for Mushroooms by Bruce Conner rolled in the background as the duo performed, and the combined experience was incredible. The stop-and-go frame rate and the almost surreal quality of the imagery created an absolutely unforgettable experience. It was certainly the highlight of the afternoon performance."
• Matthew Sarah, Scene Point Blank

"Cutting edge digital music and video . . . sax brilliance by Michael Straus."
• The Hook

"The innovation of his mixing [genres] is definitely noteworthy . . . The ease in which he multitasked demonstrated an attention to intricate detail that many musicians would never be able to achieve."
• Elysabeth Hahm, New University Newspaper

EAR Duo performed "with conviction and authenticity."
• The Boston Music Intelligencer

"Later in the evening at Bates Mill twenty or so musicians join Quatuor Bozzini to perform James Tenney's work In a large, open space. The musicians are seated throughout the space and the audience are encouraged to move around them as the piece develops. It is an incredibly emotional and inclusive experience and when it comes to an end 60 or so minutes later – applause somehow seems intrusive and it really feels that we should all simply disappear into the night holding on to the warm feelings and the communal experience that we have shared."
• The Huddersfield Examiner (United Kingdom)

"Electronics and jazz mingle . . . in the hands of experimental saxophonist Michael Straus."
• The Current

"Well, at this concert, you'll be looking at and listening to a multimedia TIMARA guest concert, featuring famous saxophonist Michael Straus. Images manipulated before you by a horn instrument - what's not intriguing about this?"
• The Oberlin Review

"[EAR Duo] seemed at ease with their material, producing rich and varied sounds (Straus’s multi-phonics in Push to Position were admirable), with excellent intonation and, to the extent permitted by the idiom, expression."
• The Boston Music Intelligencer

"Tonight's Escape From The Ordinary"
• The Baltimore Examiner

"Michael Straus and Matthew Burtner get strange with computers and saxophones at the Red Room at Normals Books and Records."
• Michael Byrne, Baltimore Citypaper