An homage to the many of British guitarist and improvisor Derek Bailey’s Company Week music making gatherings from 1977-1994, meant to deliver ‘ad hoc’ groupings of musicians of multiple disciplines to create music through free improvisation. O.N.C.E. is also a play on one specific Company Week that took place from May 12-17, 1987, and followed with the incredible 1989 record release, ONCE, on Bailey’s iconic record label – Incus Records.

O.N.C.E. is also represented to act similarly to Derek Bailey’s Company; a roster of musicians and artists that would be pooled together over time demonstrating a shared background in practice, or interest, in creating music through free improvisation. O.N.C.E is meant to be an outlet for free improvised music making through individual concert and event settings. O.N.C.E. will also strive to do what Derek Bailey did through engagement, information, documentation, and discourse through workshops and panel discussions.

I have wanted to do something like this for many years. And although there have been, and still are, variations on Derek Bailey’s Company and Company Week constructs throughout the globe, these kinds of activities are continually warranted to perpetually foster creativity, connection, and community.

It’s also because of community that O.N.C.E. can see the light of day. I’d like to give specific thanks to drummer, musician extraordinaire, organizer, and Bug Incision record label operator, Chris Dadge, for his ongoing inspiration. His monumental vision and passion for the Bug Incision monthly music series in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is an unparalleled example of the above three Cs! My endless gratitude.

– Ron de Jong