Listen! presents...
Kelvin: the music of Anthony Braxton
Photo: Dominic Lash by Sean Kelly
Kelvin is a new project convened by Dominic Lash to explore some of the lesser-known compositions by Anthony Braxton. Braxton, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, is one of the most important musicians working at the interface of jazz, creative improvisation, and notated music: he calls himself a 'trans-idiomatic performer'. Kelvin brings together some of the most exciting musicians currently working in these musical areas in the UK.
The goal is not to replicate the sound of Braxton's own ensembles, but to make new discoveries, bringing out, and building on, the infectious melodies, innovative rhythmic structures, and unclassifiable sonic explorations that make Braxton's music such a remarkable experience for those he calls his 'friendly experiencers'.
Dominic Lash (guitar) is best known as a double bassist, but in recent years has also begun performing as a guitarist. His most regular collaborators include John Butcher, Angharad Davies, and Alex Ward. Dominic also runs the record label Spoonhunt, as well as curating the regular Cambridge improvised music series Soundhunt with N.O. Moore.
Heather Roche (bass clarinet) Referred to as 'The Queen of Extended Techniques' on BBC Radio 3, the Canadian-born clarinetist appears regularly as a soloist and chamber musician at festivals throughout Europe. She is a member of Apartment House and has had a duo with accordionist Eva Zollner since 2017. Heather also performs with Riot Ensemble, London Sinfonietta and the LSO. Her blog on writing for the clarinet attracts 70,000 viewers annually.
Photo: Sam Walton
Elien De Schryver (violin) is a Belgian musician, based in Cambridge. She plays both acoustic and electric instruments, with a practice routed in free improvisation and the creation of immersive, responsive soundworlds. Elien's work spans genres, including experimental collaborations and composing for dance theatre. She has a background as a music therapist, and contributes to the Music Therapy training programme at Anglia Ruskin University.
Photo: Richard Youell
Huw V Williams (double bass) Originally hailing from rural North Wales, the composer, band leader and bass player has been associated with many world class musicians in the fields of jazz and improvised music, including Mark Lockheart, Huw Warren, Jim Black and Laura Jurd. He currently leads the quartet Di-Cysgodion and also enjoys performing in the rock world with Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals and Kliph Scurlock of the Flaming Lips.
Photo: Daniel Devlin
Andrew Lisle (drums) is a multi-dimensional drummer and composer from Northumberland. His quick and highly textural playing, filled with rhythmic complexity, makes him an in-demand member of the fertile jazz and improvised music community. In turns both propulsive and abstract, Andrew regularly performs across Europe with Kit Downes, John Edwards, Camila Nebbia and Charlotte Keeffe. Current projects include 'Exhaust' & 'Multi-directional'.
Photo: Nuno Martins
Saturday 11th October 2025
Unitarian Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge CB1 1JW
Doors 7.30pm / music 8pm
Tickets £18, £9 (18s and under) - plus booking fee - in advance
www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge
£20 on the door (if available)