John Butcher

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Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM - 2 sets of music Line-up: Mark Wastell - Drums John Butcher - Saxophone Phil Durrant - Electric Mandolin About: A trio that re-weaves many strands. The three initially performed together as part of the Chris Burn Ensemble in the late 1990s. In 1984 Butcher and Durrant (on violin) began an influential trio with guitarist John Russell which performed for 15 years. On one occasion with Wastell (on cello) replacing Russell. Thereafter, Butcher and Durrant (switching to electronics) continued as a duo. Spanning the years either side of the millennium, Durrant and Wastell explored reductionism together in various combinations. Wastell has now moved to drums and cymbals, a set-up which includes various parts of John Stevens' (an inspiration for him) original Spontaneous Music Ensemble kit. And Butcher played for 2 years in the last version of Stevens' SME (with guitarist Roger Smith). "Their “virtuosity” consists essentially and miraculously in constantly renewing their sonic resources almost infinitely. At once refined and abundant, like a journey in space, crossing stars and galaxies. Quite unique of its kind." (Orynx - Jean-Michel Van Schouwburg) ".... one of the wonders of this area of music, at least to these ears, the essential character of the music has cohered into something palpable and breathing. Butcher generates some lovely, slightly fluttering, ultra-soft tones on tenor, Wastell contributes spacious, irregular brush caresses of drum heads and cymbals, Durrant the occasional, gentle twang, all of a piece and fully formed, ending in a fine flurry..... a set of sounds very much residing in open air, quite exhilarating..... the results are extremely rewarding." (Brian Olewnik, Squidsear)