David Birchall
(guitar); Caroline Kraabel (alto sax); Richard Harrison (drums/percussion)
Photos © Richard Morris
The latest in the monthly concerts of improvised music curated by Nick Branton. and held in a beautifully quirky place on the road immediately behind St Luke’s bombed out church (bombed out in World War ll). Artefact is a café, vintage furniture shop and intimate music and arts venue that hosts a huge variety of events.
A very experienced trio in the world of improvised music. Caroline, originally from the US but who now resides in London has developed a style based on extended techniques and acoustics. She has worked with Robert Wyatt, Cleveland Watkiss, Pat Thomas, Shima Kobayasi and many more top international musicians as well as conducting and playing devised pieces with the London Improvisers Orchestra. David Birchall is a guitarist, teacher, free improviser, composer and organiser living in Manchester. Richard Harrison, also from Manchester, is a drummer and percussionist known for his dynamic, free-flowing style and his work in experimental, jazz and indie music.
The third of seven scheduled concerts for the trio over the next two months was billed as a CD release tour of their 2026 album The One About the Maps which
I keenly purchased after the concert. The album and its covers are a work of art in itself including an outer
cover of a map, an envelope handmade in Seattle by Caroline and a map collage
and CD made in Cornwall. Also some text by Russell Richardson in New York.
The concert
comprised music from the album and can best be summarised as an improvisation
of about 30 minutes showing the full range of the styles of each musician.
Richard used a whole host of percussive instruments in addition to his drums.
On his drums and cymbals he not only used drumsticks but also maracas and a
bow. What appeared to be an egg whisk was also used with a bow. David used his
guitar not only in the conventional position but also flat on its back on his
lap using a slider and at times it became a percussive instrument. Caroline’s
technique and style is extraordinary. Breathing sounds, key sounds as well as
conventional sax playing. Thirty minutes of intense improvisation by all three
musicians.
Earlier, the
evening had kicked off with the support act of Nick Branton (contra alto
clarinet) and Michael Perrett (bass clarinet). A twenty minute set of improvised
music showcasing the dynamics and sounds of these two rarely seen instruments.
The next concert
curated by Nick Branton at Artefact is on 1 December and includes the great Manchester
based drummer Johnny Hunter. 8.00pm doors 7.30pm - tickets on the door. Richard Morris
Track list of
the album: The One About the Maps: Barefoot Girders; Mica Cigarettes;
Back to Sleep Lonely Monkey; Up is the New Down
Artefact, 71
Roscoe Street, Liverpool L1 9DW
Facebook: artefactliverpool Instagram @artefactliverpool
Cafe and shop
Open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm and Sun 10am –5pm
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