David Moss

Since 1991 David Moss has maintained his base in Berlin as an inventive percussionist and vocalist. Functioning simultaneously as improviser and provocateur, his output stretches across extreme, experimental, and 20th-century terrain, taking shape in compositions, sound collages, and hard-edged jazz-rock hybrids such as those realized by his Dense Band. New American Radio awarded him a second commission in the mid-80s, resulting in the 'operadio' work Language Linkage constructed around the writings of Italo Calvino. He has presented solo programs on multiple continents, appearing in New York City, Koln, and Tokyo at institutions that include the Whitney Museum. Moss has also headed the ensemble Direct Sound and acted as Musical Director at the Leipzig Opera for "Survival Songs." Recognition includes the 1991 Guggenheim Fellowship together with a DAAD Kunstlerprogram stipend that funded a full year in Berlin, the Preis der Deutschen Schallplatten Kritik granted in both 1992 and 1994, and the 1995 Horspeil des Monats conferred by the Deutsche Akademie des Darstellenden Kunste for "Moss Tales." A documented history of experimental accomplishment and stylistic breadth runs through his earlier activities, encompassing solo recitals, projects alongside Heiner Goebbels, Fred Frith, and Jon Rose, and joint efforts with dancers Steve Paxton, Kei Takei, and Kenneth King.