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John Butcher 70th Birthday Residency at Cafe OTO
John Butcher
saxophoneb.1954
Butcher has developed a unique style that melds a staggeringly detailed command of multiphonics, timbre and overblowing with an overarching sense of musicality. But even within this refined palette there are boundless possibilities such that he was able to avoid repeating himself, succeeding in presenting slightly different facets of his artistry in each set, while remaining unmistakably himself.
The opening night offered a pair of duets, first with French pianist
Sophie Agnel
drums
Rhodri Davies
harpb.1971
On the second night, Butcher began with a stunning solo set built with an almost palpable sense of inner logic, one idea seemingly leading on inevitably to the next. By happy coincidence, American percussionist
Gino Robair
percussionAs he did at times with Davies the previous evening, Butcher held his own against some of Robair's electronic gizmos by manipulating feedback alongside his acoustic output. Agnel returned for the final part of the evening together with drummer
Mark Sanders
drumsb.1960
Angharad Davies
violinIn keeping with his adventurous spirit, the last night featured a first time encounter with the astonishing vocalist and clarinetist
Isabelle Duthoit
clarinet
Pat Thomas
pianob.1960
Clearly a subscriber to the Phil Minton school of vocal gymnastics, she issued all manner of strange and unlikely noises, with the accompaniment of serene hand gestures and facial expressions evoking a Bill Viola video tableau. With Thomas solely on electronics, the trio with Butcher and Solberg, who operate under the heading Fictional Souvenirs, was another highlight, fashioning captivating narratives from an unlikely confluence of beeps, shimmers, rattles, blurts and clacks.
The three days will live long in the memory of those who were lucky enough to be there. View Slideshow
Tags
In Pictures
John Butcher
John Sharpe
United Kingdom
London
Sophie Agnel
Rhodri Davies
Gino Robair
Mark Sanders
Angharad Davies
Isabelle Duthoit
Pat Thomas
St?le Liavik Solberg
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