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Paul William RutherfordEnglish trombonist improviser
Date of Birth: 29.01.1940
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Paul William Rutherford (1940-2008)
- Improvisational Breakthrough
- Diverse Collaborations
- Solo Improvisation
- Legacy
Paul William Rutherford (1940-2008)
Early Life and EducationPaul William Rutherford was born on January 29, 1940, in Greenwich, South East London. Early in his career, Rutherford played the saxophone but eventually switched to the trombone. In 1960, he taught at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Improvisational Breakthrough
In collaboration with guitarist Derek Bailey and bassist Barry Guy, Rutherford formed the improvised music group 'Iskra 1903'. This ensemble was one of the early free improvisation groups to dispense with a drummer or percussionist. This allowed for the exploration of a range of musical textures and experimentation with dynamics, setting 'Iskra 1903' apart from other contemporary improvisational groups.
The group's unusual name derives from the Russian language, specifically the revolutionary newspaper 'Iskra' (Spark), edited by Lenin. The '1903' denotes '20th-century musical trio'. When Evan Parker occasionally joined the group, the name expanded to 'Iskra 1904'. At one point, the group expanded to 12 members, becoming 'Iskra 1912'. In later years, the group was revived with Philipp Wachsmann replacing Bailey. This phase of 'Iskra 1903' lasted from 1977 to 1995.
Diverse Collaborations
Rutherford also performed with ensembles such as the 'Mike Westbrook Orchestra', 'Globe Unity Orchestra', 'London Jazz Composer's Orchestra', and the big band 'Centipede'. He made several performances with the English rock group 'Soft Machine'.
Solo Improvisation
Rutherford is perhaps best known for his solo improvisational work. His album 'The Gentle Harm of the Bourgeoisie' marked a significant milestone in the documentation of the unaccompanied trombone. Another notable work, the triple album 'Gheim', was recorded at the 1983 Bracknell Jazz Festival.
Legacy
Paul Rutherford was a leading figure in the British free improvisation scene and a prominent exponent of the European free jazz movement. He pioneered unconventional playing techniques in improvised music and the multiphonic use of the trombone. Rutherford passed away on February 1, 2008, at the age of 68 from liver cirrhosis and an aortic rupture.
