Artist description We are a duo, free improvisation "band." We do not work from scores or prearranged conventions. We love our work.

Music Style Free improvisation

Musical Influences John Coltrane, Frank Zappa, John McLaughlin, David Torn, Robert Fripp, etc.

Similar Artists This is not a "popular" form of musical expression.

Artist History An on again, off again partnership that seems to be strongest when the two members are not unfocused on free improvisation due to other musical/life demands. Spencer and John have been performing as a free improvising duo for nearly ten years.

Group Members Spencer Leffel A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Spencer Leffel played drums up and down the East Coast before moving to Birmingham in 1991. Active in the local improv scene since his arrival, he has been a regular performer at the Birmingham Improv Festival. He is a member of the improv trio Phantom Limb with John English and Rick Nance, and has played with LaDonna Smith, Davey Williams, Philip Gelb, Gino Robair, and Craig Hultgren. Spencer performs in a variety of settings, and has been a member of the reggae/soca band Lost in the Mail (with whom he performed around the southeast and in Jamaica); the eclectic rock band the Charlottons; the Alex Lacy Group, a jazz ensemble; and the free-form bluegrass/rock band Partial to Mabel. He has performed at Birmingham City Stages and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. John English From his high school days of acoustic folk and garage rock, John English has evolved into a passionate guitar player who draws upon his love of traditional and avant garde musical styles. English played acoustic and electric guitar in the blues band, Terraplane, and electric guitar in the blues/jazz band, The Charlottons. English also performs free improvised music with the trio, Phantom Limb. In 1996, Phantom Limb was featured on Miami Public Radio's coverage of the 1996 Birmingham International Improvisation Festival and the group is included on the Festival's compilation CD. English has also been a guest artist with the University of Alabama at Birmingham MIDI Ensemble. Phantom Limb recently released its first full-length CD, "Phantomlimb," on mp3.com /artists/523/phantomlimb.html)

Instruments Drums, percussion and electric guitar.

Location Birmingham, Alabama - USA

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