John Butcher: Invisible Ear

by AAJ Staff
July 25, 2003

For those who have already recognized saxophonist John Butcher's ear for color and timbre, Invisible Ear will most likely seem a logical extension of his vision. The British free improviser utilizes a sculptural approach to sound, building larger scale creations from smaller units which rarely obey a clean tone.

In the case of this ambitious new solo saxophone recording, the multitimbral quality of Butcher's horn gets a boost from close miking (four of twelve tracks), amplification/feedback (six), ...

John Butcher - Phil Durrant - Peggy Lee: Intentions

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 2002

Saxophonist, John Butcher and his British compatriot, violinist, Phil Durrant have performed together on numerous occasions, most notably for the “EMANEM” improvising label. Intentions marks the first trio outing, featuring the duo performing alongside Canadian cellist, Peggy Lee. And based upon the musicians’ respective pasts, the flavor of this production might satisfy many of our expectations. On this session, the trio explores contrapuntal statements amid delayed synchronizations while probing the inherent physical forces of their instruments. Throughout many of these ...

John Butcher - Phil Durrant - Peggy Lee: Intentions

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 2002

Saxophonist, John Butcher and his British compatriot, violinist, Phil Durrant have performed together on numerous occasions, most notably for the “EMANEM” improvising label. This release marks the first trio outing, featuring the former performing alongside Canadian cellist, Peggy Lee. And based upon the musicians’ respective pasts, the flavor of this production might satisfy many of our expectations. On this session, the trio explores contrapuntal statements amid delayed synchronizations while probing the inherent physical forces of their instruments. Throughout many of ...

Chris Burn - John Butcher - Rhodri Davies - John Edwards: The First Two Gigs

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 2002

The world of free-style improvisation can be a lonely place. Music of this ilk may conjure up notions of kindred spirits rehearsing in hidden chambers rich with intimacy, oneness of spirit, and microcosmic frameworks.

On this release, some of these sensibilities come to mind, thanks to the instrumentalists' penetrating exchanges and elusive statements. With their first release as a quartet (after prior affiliations), the band merges edgy (and slightly neurotic) underpinnings with faint trills and micro motifs. Saxophonist John Butcher ...

John Butcher/Xavier Charles/Axel Dorner: The Contest Of Pleasures

by Mark Corroto
September 1, 2001

The occasion of this live recording was a jazz festival in Hulhouse, at the southern end of Alsace. The musicians, Jon Butcher, Xavier Charles, and Axel Dorner came together in the Chapelle Saint-Jean on a hot August day in 2000, to create spontaneous music. What was captured was on overtly patient documentation of three improvisors working with a singular purpose.

Saxophonist John Butcher has shared the stage with the likes of Derek Bailey, Georg Grawe, Phil Minton, and Fred Van ...

John Butcher with Derek Bailey and Rhodri Davies: Vortices and Angels

by Glenn Astarita
September 1, 2001

This newly released set is apportioned into two sections: The first two pieces feature legendary British free-improviser, guitarist Derek Bailey performing with compatriot, saxophonist John Butcher, live at the “Vortex” club in London, whereas Butcher and harpist, Rhodri Davies execute three duet pieces at a London church. Basically, these recordings provide the listener with stark contrasting elements, yet are firmly rooted within the traditional or perhaps classic, British free-style mode of improvisation. The opener titled “Low Voltage,” is a twenty-seven ...

John Butcher with Derek Bailey & Rhodri Davies: Vortices & Angels

by AAJ Staff
July 1, 2001

Vortices & Angels offers two separate London duos featuring saxophonist John Butcher, and the title of this disc could not be more apt for the music contained within. The “Vortices" part (two pieces; 38 minutes) documents Butcher's performance with iconic free improv guitarist Derek Bailey at the Vortex, a jazz club in north London. This pair last performed as a duo a decade ago, so this recording offers a fresh update on their sound.

Bailey dominates the beginning of “Low ...