ANDY WEBSTER
"Keepin' on Top of the Top Ten Tunes" is a restaging of Ian Murray's original performance work, "Keeping on Top of the Top Song," from 1970.
Murray's initial concept was to hire a professional drummer and instruct them to accompany a pre-recorded cassette tape without any prior rehearsal. The tape contained the first ten seconds of the top ten best-selling songs from the previous decade. The performer was tasked with playing continuously along with the music, constantly searching for a rhythmic reference point to maintain their groove.
In this work, Murray's performative instructions are faithfully re-enacted, but the original performance is extended to encompass the five decades that have elapsed since the work's inception. This playful expansion not only references Murray's irreverent spirit but also amplifies the sense of disorientation and challenges faced by the drummer. As the fragmented snippets of iconic tunes collide, the performer must navigate an ever-shifting musical landscape, seamlessly transitioning from one genre to the next without missing a beat.
"Keepin' on Top of the Top Ten Tunes" invites the audience to revel in the absurdity and joy of this musical game, appreciating both the virtuosity of the performer and the tongue-in-cheek re-enactment of Murray's original concept.
The work was developed with the support of Auction House, Redruth, UK and originally performed by artist and musician Liam Jolly.