Listen! presents...
John Butcher, Mark Sanders & Philipp Wachsmann
John Butcher is a saxophonist whose work ranges through improvisation, his own compositions, multitracked pieces and explorations with feedback, unusual acoustics and non-concert locations.
After publishing his PH.D. in quantum chromodynamics in1982, John left the world of academia and took off with music. His first album, Fonetiks, with Chris Burn on piano, trumpet and percussion, was recorded in 1984. He has since collaborated with hundreds of artists, some for many decades. To name just a few: Derek Bailey, John Stevens, Sophie Agnel, Fred Frith and Rhodri Davies.
John memorably last appeared at Listen! in 2019 with the improvising trio The Last Dream of the Morning with John Edwards (double bass) and Mark Sanders (drums).
'English saxophonist John Butcher may be among the world's most influential musicians, operating at the cutting edge of improvisatory practice since the 80's.'
- New York City Jazz Record
Mark Sanders is known not only for his creative percussion playing in the fields of free jazz and improvisation, but also for using his skills and versatility in a wide range of musical styles. He has performed in festivals and concerts around the world with an array of innovative artists including Roscoe Mitchell, Myra Melford, Christian Marclay, Sarah Gail Brand and Jah Wobble.
Mark has played on over 200 albums, he has appeared on Stewart Lee's BBC2 programme 'Comedy Vehicle' and in numerous live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.
His work as an educator has included seven years spent running an improvisation module at Leeds Conservatoire, lecturing at Royal Academy of Music and hosting masterclasses at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire and Dartington Music Summer School.
'Mark Sanders' world of brushed snares, hand drummed storytelling and enchanted cymbalism is like that of no other drummer.'
- Chris Searle, Morning Star
Philipp Wachsmann came to free improvisation from a predominantly classical background and has studied with Isolde Menges, Nadia Boulanger and Pierre Boulez. He was also much influenced by the music of Uganda which he heard since childhood. in 1969 he joined Yggdrasil, an ensemble performing works by Cage, Cardew and Feldman, using contact mics on his violin and making his own electronic instruments.
Philipp has pioneered new sounds using the violin and electronics and has appeared on over 100 albums on various labels, including ECM. Musicians he has performed and recorded with include: Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, Barry Guy and the London Composers Jazz Orchestra. He still regularly conducts his own pieces with the London Improvisers Orchestra.
For many years, Philipp was Director of the Electronic Music Studio at Morley College and, until recently, taught composition at City Literary Institute.
'Wachsmann's technique and musicality are a perfect fit, giving full rein to his creative imagination in any of the many situations in which he has worked.'
- Vortex Jazz Club, London
Unitarian Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge CB1 1JW
Doors 7.30pm / music 8pm
£18 (+ 10% booking fee) in advance
www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge
£20 at the door (if available)
Saturday 9th November 2024