FRIEND LESS is a project by Jon Mueller. Its two recent EPs, Energy Rippers and Logic
of Relics (with Bundy K. Brown and James Plotkin) aim to provoke the heart, mind and
body through an unorthodox approach to rhythmic patterns. In performance, the pieces
from Energy Rippers lean on a system of AIR (Acoustic Improvised Rhythm) using drums
and voice to achieve a similar effect. More information about the project can be found at
Jon Mueller studied jazz drumming with Hal Russell at Columbia College in Chicago, and
singing with La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela at the Kirana Center for Indian Classical
Music in New York. A prolific performer, he tours extensively and has appeared at festivals
and venues throughout the United States, Canada, England, Europe and Japan.
In addition to his solo work, Mueller has collaborated and performed with groups such as
Who is the Witness?, Mind Over Mirrors, Volcano Choir, Collections of Colonies of Bees,
and Pele. He has also worked with artists including Olivia Block, Aaron Turner, Faith
Coloccia, Timo van Luijk, Dawn Springer, Chris Hefner, Jason Kahn, Hal Rammel, Asmus
Tietchens, Z’EV, Rhys Chatham, Jarboe, James Plotkin, Duane Pitre, and Raymond
Dijkstra. He has released music on renowned labels such as Room40, Astres d’Or,
American Dreams, Table of the Elements, Type Recordings, Important Records, Taiga
Records, SIGE Records, and his own imprint, Rhythmplex.
plus support from Katherine Young (bassoon and electronics)