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Bex Burch

In the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary avant-garde music, few artists defy categorization quite like Bex Burch. A virtuoso British composer, percussionist, and instrument maker, Burch has carved out a unique sonic niche frequently described as “messy minimalism.” By seamlessly blending West African rhythmic traditions with post-punk energy and experimental jazz improvisations, she has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in modern instrumental music.

From Classical Guildhall Roots to West African Mastery

Burch’s musical trajectory began conventionally with classical percussion training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. However, a profound artistic pivot arrived when she embarked on an intensive 18-month apprenticeship in Ghana.

Immersed in the culture of the Dagaaba people, Burch trained under master musician Thomas Sekgura. There, she mastered both the performance and the painstaking physical craftsmanship of the gyil—a traditional African xylophone utilizing wooden keys and calabash gourd resonators.

Vula Viel and the Evolution of Post-Punk Afro-Jazz

Upon returning to the United Kingdom, Burch formed Vula Viel, a critically acclaimed trio whose name translates to “Good is Good” in the Dagaare language.

The band quickly gained a cult following by positioning the raw, amplified frequencies of the gyil at the forefront of a driving post-punk rhythm section. Vula Viel’s boundary-pushing sound earned heavy rotation on BBC Radio 3 and BBC 6 Music, establishing Burch as a crucial fixture in the UK jazz explosion alongside acts like Shabaka Hutchings and Nubya Garcia.

‘There Is Only Love and Fear’ and International Anthem

In late 2023, Burch reached a new creative milestone with the release of her debut solo album, There is only love and fear. Released via the taste-making Chicago avant-garde record label International Anthem (home to artists like Jeff Parker and Jaimie Branch), the project received widespread critical acclaim, earning “Contemporary Album of the Month” honors from The Guardian.

The solo LP showcases Burch’s dedication to “deep listening,” incorporating site-specific field recordings, ambient textures, and organic percussion.

A Catalyst for Collaboration

Beyond her solo output, Bex Burch remains a highly sought-after collaborator across the global experimental music scene. Her portfolio includes work with:

• Dame Evelyn Glennie: The legendary virtuoso percussionist.

• Flock: An avant-garde jazz collective featuring Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming) and Leafcutter John.

• Peter Zummo: The veteran New York minimalist trombonist and Arthur Russell collaborator.

By continuing to hand-build her own custom, non-traditional resonant xylophones and pushing the boundaries of rhythm, Bex Burch is not just participating in the modern jazz revival—she is actively reshaping the parameters of contemporary minimalist music.