Crumple Zone by Nutters Corner

Happy Birthday Improvisation by Nutters Corner, Live at the Malt Shovel 1 2 23

A nice improvised live duet with Nick and myself - two new ideas are presented here at the Malt Shovel, Dartford during one of their monthly open sessions.

Clank/Ämblik by Nutters Corner, live at the Malt Shovel, Dartford, 3rd May 2023

A rediscovered improvised session featuring the great guitarist Duncan Black (1973-2023) which was part of our intended project Trio Unseen.

Trio Unseen, featuring Duncan Black - Night Train To.....

Meandering and beckoning.... where to go?  Nowhere?  

This Is My Silence (II)

This Is My Silence V

Duncan Black - guitars and wires
Adrian Day - fretless
Les Wilson - drums, car
This is an amazing tune and Duncan does incredible things with it!  So does Adrian - not so much myself although the messy punk approach does work if you cant manage the precision of Frank Katz' original part.  I did write to  Brand X for permission but they never replied so I guess its ok - they probably assumed that this wasnt even possible to do it.... Hah! This is a first take with no editing or overdubs - now go and check out the original... 


Trio Unseen play VIRUS cover (Brand X)  (August 2008)

The Nine rhythm has been around for a while - since the late 80s when it was used as a basis for improvisation in Whale Oil Beef Hooked.  It is still  evolving today but this version with Duncan and Adrian stretches it further than it had gone before... This is the third track from our session in September 2008 recorded digitally to stereo minidisc at Chartham Hatch, Kent. 

Trio Unseen - Nine Funk

Maybe if Erik Satie had improvised around his exquisite miniatures during quiet moments at Le Chat Noir, it might have sounded a bit like this.... my teeny tiny tribute to this most indispensable, influential but also most lonely and misunderstood musician.

Thoughts and Expansions on "Le Yachting" (1914) by Erik Satie

Huvastijätt

A wilful exercise in naivety and innocence, this is a radio and laptop friendly version of a little fantasia.  I wanted to try what for me were new ways of making sound - eg, leaving real drums alone for once! However, despite the synthetic approach, everything was played in real time by myself.

Strolling through the Old Town (Demo)

Some simple improvised keyboard pieces reflecting - hopefully - the bitter sweet feelings on having to go home for a while.   2010. 

Two Meditations

The first of four Estonian Lullabies br Veljo Tormis, arranged for piano, bass and celesta by Me and Dave Boulden, played by me and recorded by Dave, 3rd April 2012.  This is part of my Clarinet Live project.

Laulan Lapsele (Veljo Tormis) from Neli Eesti Hällilaulu

The Second of four lullabies, originally for voices, by Veljo Tormis.  This arrangment is by Me and Dave Boulden and was played by me as part of my Clarinet Live Project.  The title means "It is time for the Little Berry to Sleep, and the folksong originated in Räpina, southern Estonia.

Marjal Aega Magada by Veljo Tormis from Neli Eesti Hällilaulu

First attempt at an orchestral piece in which all the parts were played on a sampling keyboard, in real time.  The music is meant to describe the ups and downs of grief and loss, with a hopefully lighter conclusion.  

Post Crying Mantra

Warming Up - solo drums

, The third of four Estonian lullabies by Veljo Tormis, arranged for piano, bass and celesta,  by Les Wilson and Dave Boulden and recorded at the Dining Room Studio by Dave Boulden.

Lase Kiik Käia (Let the Cradle Swing) by Veljo Tormis

The fourth Estonian Lullaby arranged for bass, strings, piano and celesta by Dave Boulden and Les Wilson and recorded at the Dining Room Studio by Dave Boulden.

Äiutus (Lulling) by Veljo Tormis

Our acoustic version of The Cure's classic song.  
Amy - voice and guitar
Will - jumbo violin 
Les - drums

Love Cats (The Cure) by the LoveCats

Les Wilson - Drums
Amy Willmott - vocals and guitar
Willohed - jumbo violin

When Doves Cry (Prince) by the Love Cats

Our acoustic version of the 7/4 Floyd song!  
Amy - voice and guitars
Will - jumbo violin 
Les - drums, blocks and bells

Money (Pink Floyd) by the LoveCats

Freelance drummer, peripatetic music teacher and occasional experimental composer,
Cover photo by Monika Schneider, used with permission.

Popular tracks by Les Wilson - Seconds of Arc