Tubist-Improvisor-Composer Tom Heasley Performs in Oberlin By David Daniels '84
			Those with an interest in reassessing their impressions of the tuba take note. Tubist Tom Heasley, composer of ambient, space and atmospheric music, will perform new works for tuba and didjeridu on Saturday, November 17, at 8:00 P.M., in Warner Concert Hall. Professor of Tuba Ron Bishop invited Heasley to Oberlin with the Contemporary Music Committee providing sponsorship of his visit. A classically-trained tubist with a varied musical background -- free jazz and a vast range of experimental work -- Heasley comes to Oberlin at the end of a three-month tour to promote his recently-released Hypnos CD, Where the Earth Meets the Sky. Although it might be difficult for some to imagine the tuba capable of creating a beautifully restrained ambience, works such as "Ground Zero" from this new CD dispel that misconception immediately. Heasley’s music focuses on subtle changes in texture and the build-up of harmonic layers from loops of echoed horn. His occasional harmonic throat singing serves to highlight melodies inherent in the tuba’s complex overtones. Chuck van Zyl had this to say in his review of Heasley’s CD for Star’s End: "For those who imagine landscapes while listening to music, Heasley’s work will surely conjure up visions of Sunset Beach at dusk or Haleakala Crater just before dawn." And for New Age Voice, Jeff Town wrote that Heasley’s music "transcends the curiosity factor of its odd instrumentation, and stands as a strong meditative statement, immersing the listener so deeply, that one never thinks of an oompah band."
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