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The world of avant-garde jazz and free improvisation mourns the loss of a true pioneer, percussionist Tony Oxley, who passed away on December 26, 2023. Born on June 5, 1938, in Sheffield, England, Oxley’s influence on the genre was profound, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of experimental and free music.
News of Oxley’s passing was shared by close friends and fellow musicians, with improvisatory artist Mark Wastell among the first to express condolences. The legacy of this avant-garde jazz icon is far-reaching, spanning decades of groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
Tony Oxley’s musical journey began as a self-taught drummer, but his path took a revolutionary turn when he became a percussionist in the British army’s military orchestra. During his service, he had the opportunity to travel to the United States, where he witnessed live performances by jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Horace Silver, and Philly Joe Jones. These encounters were transformative, shaping Oxley’s musical vision and propelling him into the world of jazz exploration.
In 1963, a serendipitous meeting with guitarist Derek Bailey in Sheffield marked a turning point in Oxley’s career. Alongside bassist Gavin Bryars, they formed the trio Joseph Holbrooke, initially rooted in jazz standards but quickly evolving into uncharted musical territories driven by their diverse interests. This commitment to improvised music laid the foundation for Oxley’s future endeavors.
Relocating to London in 1967, Oxley secured a place as the house drummer at Ronnie Scott’s, a popular jazz club. Despite his connections to traditional jazz, Oxley was already delving into free improvisation, a genre virtually unknown in England and Europe at the time. His unique rhythmic style, showcased at Ronnie Scott’s, set him apart and made him a challenging collaborator for many musicians.
Oxley’s groundbreaking work caught the attention of guitarist John McLaughlin, leading to his involvement in McLaughlin’s first LP, “Extrapolation,” in 1969. The connection with McLaughlin also secured Oxley a recording contract with CBS, resulting in albums like “The Baptised Traveller” and “Four Compositions For Sextet.” Despite commercial setbacks, these albums showcased Oxley’s vision for the future of jazz.
Frustrated by the lack of recognition for improvised music in Britain, Oxley co-founded the Musicians Cooperative in 1970 and established Incus Records with Derek Bailey and Evan Parker. These initiatives provided a platform for artists to document, release, and distribute their music independently.
Beyond his drumming prowess, Oxley’s legacy includes his pioneering exploration of expanded drum kits, incorporating amplification and electronic devices. Bowls, wire, screws, and other unconventional objects became part of his kit, producing a distinctive sound universe that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Oxley’s collaborations extended to diverse musical realms, including memorable work with American pianist Cecil Taylor and a significant partnership with painter Alan Davie, who introduced him to the violin. This led to Oxley’s fascination with the rhythmic possibilities of the instrument.
His vast and varied oeuvre includes early landmarks in European free jazz, such as “The Baptised Traveller” and “Ichnos.” Noteworthy collaborations with Cecil Taylor, including the outstanding “Looking” with the Feel Trio, stand as testament to his enduring impact on free music.
In a 1990 interview with Bert Noglik, Oxley expressed his identity as more of a percussionist than a jazz drummer, emphasizing the freedom of expression in improvised music. His legacy is marked by an extensive discography, with personal favorites including collaborations with Bill Dixon on Soul Note, “Vade Mecum I and II.”
As the jazz community mourns the loss of Tony Oxley, his contribution to the genre’s evolution remains immeasurable. A phenomenal sound researcher, percussionist, violinist, and electronic musician, Oxley’s influence will resonate for generations to come. The jazz band in heaven gains a true innovator, and the world of music bids farewell to a legend.
*Note: Parts of this obituary are based on a text by Gerald E. Brennan on Tony Oxley and Wikipedia.*
