Branchroot Ensemble

Comprised of Darren Williams (saxophone), Nicholas Denton Protsack (cello), and Andrew Stauffer (percussion, found objects), Branchroot Ensemble is a group of experimental musicians who explore free improvisation and nontraditional approaches to formal structures in music.

Debut album: Far From the Tree

From genre-bending, screeching highs to delicate, filigree lows, Far From the Tree, the debut album of Branchroot Ensemble, delivers an unapologetic and volatile mish-mash of experimental improvisation. The trio, comprised of Andrew Stauffer (drums), Darren Williams (tenor sax), and Nicholas Denton Protsack (cello), creates bold, unreserved, and unique sounds that defy categorization and challenge expectations. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes chaotic, the album showcases the eclectic influences of the musicians, ranging from free jazz and contemporary classical to avant-rock and folk. Each track is spontaneously created in a single take, without overdubs or edits, capturing the raw energy of the trio as they weave intricate textures and melodies as a singular unit. Far From the Tree is a daring and adventurous debut that invites you to join the Branchroot Ensemble on their sonic explorations.

Released May 13, 2023

All tracks improvised live by Andrew Stauffer, Darren Williams, and Nicholas Denton Protsack.

The videos below were recorded during the Okanagan Experimental Music series (OXM) on October 15, 2021. Thanks to Unicorns Live for recording and streaming the performance.