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 ...

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Article: Album Review

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 ...

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Article: Album Review

John Butcher - Xavier Charles - Axel Dorner: The Contest of Pleasures

by Glenn Astarita
July 1, 2001

Recorded live at the “Jazz a’ Mulhouse Festival”, The Contest of Pleasures is a subtly dynamic improvising extravaganza brought to us by three forward thinking European horn men; saxophonist John Butcher, clarinetist Xavier Charles and trumpeter Axel Dorner. With this newly issued outing, the musicians’ explore abstruse regions of sound amid odd voicings, high-pitched harmonies, intricate ...

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