Rhys Chatham

American composer and guitarist who blended minimalism with rock instrumentation; began as a flute student of LaMonte Young, later became known for large guitar ensembles and drone works.

Born 1952; student of La Monte Young; central figure in bringing minimalist techniques to electric guitar and no-wave contexts; created large-scale works such as A Crimson Grail (for hundreds of guitars); cited as an influence/mentor by figures in the no-wave and alternative guitar scenes (e.g., Glenn Branca, Sonic Youth).

Reviews on DeBaser present Rhys Chatham as a pioneering minimalism composer who fused avant-garde procedures with rock guitar. Highlights include orchestral guitar works (Guitar Trio, A Crimson Grail) and brass/minimalist pieces. Critics praise the scale, ritual quality and influence on later no-wave and alternative guitar scenes.

For:Fans of minimalism, experimental and avant-garde music; listeners interested in large-scale guitar ensembles and no-wave history.