Riola-Rayonism

Riola-Rayonism is the musical combustion of Paul Riola and Matt Loewen, performed on woodwinds, synthesizers, samplers, drum and tape machines... A mercurial, searching blend of Jazz, Berlin School synth lines, IDM, field recordings and more. 

Paul and Matt came together in the Spring of 2024, initially for a one off collaborative set in Denver. After a single rehearsal they knew they had something special and a new project was born! 

Past performances include Thundershout Presents! at GLOB and a very special live soundtrack performance to Nosferatu at The Lyric in Fort Collins in October, 2024. A pair of studio recordings are to be released Spring 2025. 

Saxophonist and producer Paul Riola has quickly become one of the most significant figures at the forefront of the Colorado Free Improvisational scene. He's a Westword Magazine Mastermind Award winner for his work as Program Director for Creative Music Works, where he produced live performances with a bevy of greats including John Zorn, Mike Patton, Fred Frith, Ken Vandermark, Nels Cline and Ravi Coltrane. In 2006 Paul founded the Bottlesini Project, a collaborative ensemble dedicated to free improvisation and exploration of spontaneous composition and arrangement. Bottesini has developed a national reputation through performances in LA, Chicago and San Francisco; as well as, garnered 3 local nominations in Westword’s Best Jazz Category. 

Paul has led past performances and recording sessions with some of the finest improvisers from around the world including:
 
Ron Miles: Cornet (Bill Frisell)
Vinny Golia: Woodwinds (Anthony Braxton, Horace Tapscott, ROVA)
Jeff Parker: Guitar (Tortoise, Chicago Underground, Isotope 217)
DJ Olive: Turntables (John Zorn, Sex Mob, MMW)
Art Lande: Piano and Drums (Jan Garberek, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw)
Scott Amendola: Drums (Nels Cline Singers, Charlie Hunter)
Nels Cline: Guitar (Nels Cline Singers, Wilco)
Janet Feder: Guitar (Fred Frith)
Fred Frith: Guitar (Naked City, Henry Cow, The Art Bears, The Residents)
Carla Kihlstedt: Violin (Tin Hat, Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum, Tom Waits, Mr. Bungle)
Joshua Abrams: Bass (The Roots, Town and Country, National Information Society )
Josh Berman: Trumpet (Hamid Drake, Chad Taylor, Old Idea’s)
Dave Devine: Guitar (Ron Miles, Brian Blades)
Shahzad Ismaily: Bass (Ceramic Dog, Love In Exile)
Hugh Ragin: Trumpet (Art Ensemble of Chicago, David Murray, Anthony Braxton)