Suzanne Ciani

The introduction of electronic instruments into the music making process of the early 70’s sparked a heavy amount of experimentation. Classically trained musicians expanded their palette while artists and engineers rode sound into unknown areas of the musical landscape. Similar to the first generation of Photoshop users, a tool set arrived without an idea of how powerful and influential it would be. Artists such as Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Wendy Carlos and Vangelis were just a few of the countless musicians who were excited at the electronic synthesizer’s possibilities. A Student of Don Buchla, Suzanne Cianni was one of these artists, eager to experiment with the new technology.This clip is from the children’s television show 3-2-1 Contact which played along side Sesame Street and other shows on PBS. Watch as Suzanne (looking like and sounding like a hybrid of Joni Mitchell and PJ Harvey) and the host have a conversation about the finer points of electronic synthesis. Is it me or is there something about this interview which is gets kinda sexy? I play guitar Suzanne!