The Squid's Ear Magazine


Bucher / Tan / Countryman: Nonlinear Expressions (FMR)

Recorded in Quezon City, Philippines during Typhoon Crising, the long-running trio of Christian Bucher (drums), Simon Tan (double bass), and Rick Countryman (alto saxophone) capture urgent and agile free improvisation between canceled gigs and storm delays, their 13 years of collaboration driving vibrant exchanges that balance volatility with poised, spontaneous form.
 

Price: $15.95


Quantity:

Out of Stock

Quantity in Basket: None

Log In to use our Wish List
Shipping Weight: 3.00 units

Sample The Album:





Product Information:

Personnel:



Christian Bucher-drums

Simon Tan-double bass

Rick Countryman-alto saxophone

Click an artist name above to see in-stock items for that artist.



Label: FMR
Catalog ID: FMR 721
Squidco Product Code: 36777

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2025
Country: UK
Packaging: Digipack - 3 panel
Recorded at Strawberry Jams StudioQuezon City, PhilippinesJuly 15 and July 21, 2025
Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

Artist Biographies

"Christian Bucher (* 1969 in Zug ) is a Swiss drummer in the field of jazz and improvisational music .

From 1990 to 1997, Bucher studied musicology , art history and literature at the University of Bern, and from 1992 to 1997 he studied music at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Zurich (jazz music with Kevin Austin, Tony Renold, Peter Preibisch, diploma). He also attended workshops with Paul Lovens and Billy Cobham and studied with Pierre Favre , Willy Kotoun, Marcel Bernasconi and Andreas Hermann at the Lucerne Music College .

He then continued his post-graduate studies in free improvisation with Walter Fähndrich, Peter K. Frey and Christoph Baumann at the Lucerne Music College (2002-2003). Bucher also worked as a drummer teacher at the music school Horw , Emmen and at the teachers' seminar St. Michael Zug from 2000 to 2005.

Guido Egli and he wrote the music for the two documentary films of Stefan Jäger "From the Ground I Were a Man to Life" and "Steps against the Wind", which was shown on television and at film festivals. Bucher was a co-founder of Jazztrios Nevertheless and a member of the group of 9 artists .

Bucher works as a soloist and plays in duo with BUG, ​​in the duo Bucher / Fehlmann, in the duo ZurBucher and in the band Portobello; He is still involved in projects related to other art genres. As drummer and percussionist he gave solo concerts, partly in connection with painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, performance, architecture, literature, theater and dance.

He has played CDs and has recorded radio and TV recordings as well as festival performances, concert tours and performances, which take him to Australia, Bulgaria, China, Germany, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Slovenia, Spain. South Africa, the USA or Turkey."

-Wikipedia (translated by Google) (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Bucher)
7/28/2026

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.

"Simon Leonardo P. Tan (born August 13, 1970) is a Filipino bassist. Beginning classical guitar lessons at age 13 at the Yamaha School of Music stimulated his later exposure to electric guitar and, inevitably, his interest in the electric bass. He studied the contrabass at the University of the Philippines College of Music from 1988 until 1992, then embarked on a professional musical career. His ability as a multi-genre bass player readily caught attention, notably in the pioneering Manila-based blues band, Lampano Alley, led by the Filipino blues singer and recording artist, Binky Lampano. This was followed by his tenure as bassist and composer with the award-winning Philippine jazz group, WDOUJI.

Simon Tan's influences range from rock to classical, blues and jazz. His influences as a bass instrumentalist include Roscoe Beck, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Charlie Haden, James Jamerson, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius, and John Pattitucci. Notable (Filipino) musical (non-bass) influences include vocalist Binky Lampano and saxophonist Tots Tolentino."

-WikiVisually (http://wikivisually.com/wiki/Simon_Tan)
7/28/2026

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.

"Rick Countryman (January 31, 1957) is an American jazz saxophonist and flautist.

After years attracting little attention as a baritone saxophone player, including an extended sabbatical, Rick made a late-life change to alto sax, at the urging of bassist, Simon Tan. His first recorded session with Simon and Christian Bucher, avant garde drummer from Switzerland, attracted the attention of French label "Improvising Beings" and was released as "Acceptance - Resistance". The recordings received many positive reviews, both in the United States and Europe.

Rick currently now has 9 releases on 4 labels across Europe, Asia, and the United States, including multiple CDs with Japanese improvisational drummer, Sabu Toyozumi, who has made several trips to Manila to perform and record. The music continues to receive positive reviews and airplay. Two recordings were listed in "Gold Dolphy 2018".

Since 2011, Rick has been an active member of the Manila jazz scene. He leads and performs in ensembles on baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, alto flute and bass flute; performing original compositions, as well as free jazz/improvisation, in his own jazz quartets and trios. His style is heavily influenced by Eric Dolphy, Sonny Simmons and the 60s Free Jazz movement. He was a student of Bert Wilson, and considers Michael Bisio and Rick Mandyck early mentors."

-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Countryman)
7/28/2026

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:
Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Jazz
Free Improvisation
Trio Recordings
Asian Improvisation & Jazz
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers

Search for other titles on the label:
FMR.


Recommended & Related Releases:
Bucher / Tan / Countryman
Nothing In Between
(FMR)
Recorded live at Tago in Quezon City, the trio of Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, Filipino bassist Simon Tan, and American expatriate alto saxophonist Rick Countryman deliver four extended collective improvisations, balancing Dolphy-inspired alto lines, resonant bass foundations, and fluid percussion in a dynamic set of spontaneous free jazz shaped through deep listening and long-standing musical rapport.
Bucher - Countryman
Phra-se-ol-o-gy
(FMR)
Captured live in the Manila studio, the duo of Swiss drummer/percussionist Christian Bucher and alto saxophonist Rick Countryman engage in improvisation built on the idea of musical phrasing as syntax, where saxophone lines, punctuated drums and responsive space converge into a series of sound-sentences in which tone, pause and gesture become elements in a live lexicon of form.
Zero Point (Rick Countryman / German Bringas / Itzam Cano / Gabriel Lauber)
Determinism
(FMR)
An exciting meeting of free improvisers featuring saxophonists Rick Countryman and Germán Bringas — whose synesthetic explorations have defined Mexico City's free jazz underground since the '90s with his band Zero Point — updated here with bassist Itzam Cano and drummer Gabriel Lauber, Countryman joining while in Mexico City for this fiercely interactive 2022 session of profound sonic reflections.
Bucher / Tan / Countryman
Unanimity
(FMR)
Reflecting their evolution as a trio, Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, Filipino bassist Simon Tan, and American alto saxophonist Rick Countryman present a powerful statement of collective freedom, with the album title capturing their progression as a cohesive and expressive unit, highlighted by Bucher's rhythmic mastery, Tan's solid foundation, and Countryman's soulful, dynamic lead.
Bucher / Countryman
Continuum
(FMR)
Continuing their long-standing collaboration, American alto saxophonist Ricky Countryman, based in the Philippines, and Swiss drummer Christian Bucher explore space and time through fourteen succinct improvisations recorded at Strawberry Jams studio in Quezon City, blending pensive moments with dynamic interplay in a compelling journey of evolving musical dialogue.
Countryman / Toyozumi / Bates
Lovely Tago (On A Friday Night)
(FMR)
The second of two performances at Tago Jazz in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines in 2024 between first generation Japanese free improvisational drummer, Sabu Toyozumi, Malaysia-based bassist, Richard Allan Bates, and Philippines-based alto saxophonist, Rick Countryman, this energetic concert recorded after two days in the studio developing their collective sound.
Bucher / Countryman / Hori
The Movement Radical
(ChapChap Records)
During a tour by frequent collaborators, American saxophonist living in the Philippines Rick Countryman and Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, the duo joined with acoustic bassist Tetsuro Hori for five nights in the Kansai region of Japan, on the fifth night performing at the Big Apple in Kobe, Japan where this hard blowing session of free jazz was captured.
Bucher / Tan / Countryman
Old Drains New Stains
(FMR)
The collaboration between Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, Filipino bassist Simon Tan and American ex-patriate living in the Phillipines, saxophonist Rick Countryman, continues with this exceptional collective free jazz album, their fourth on FMR, captured in the studio in Quezon City, Philippines in 2022 for nine exuberant and astute improvisations.
Interstellar Nao (Rick Countryman / Gabriel Lauber / Itzam Cano)
Live at No Somos Nada
(FMR)
Referencing the Spanish galleons that sailed the Pacific Ocean between Acapulco in Mexico and Manila in the Philippine Islands, this meeting in Mexico city brings Philippine-based saxophonist Rick Countryman together with Swiss drummer living in Mexico City Gabriel Lauber and Lauber's collaborator in the group Zero Point, Mexico City native double bass player Itzam Canois.
Countryman, Rick
The First Bird
(ChapChap Records)
Taking his inspiration from the concepts and work of German fractal image & video artist Joerg Wand, US-born and Philippines-based alto saxophonist Rick Countryman presents his first unaccompanied saxophone album, as he flows, winds and weaves his saxophone along rich peninsular curves to illustrate Wand's vision through fluid and sustained playing.
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman
Misaki Castle Tower
(ChapChap Records)
The fourth and final night of a series of concerts after three nights of trios and quartets, this live recording captures the duo of legendary Japanese drummer Sabu Toyozumi and American alto saxophonist living in the Philippines Rick Countryman, freely improvising four impresseive and creative conversations of both intricate and reflective dialog.
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman
I Am Village
(FMR)
After 3 consecutive nights performing in trio & quartet formats at Balete at Kamias, in Quezon City, Philippines, the duo of drummer Sabu Toyozum and alto saxophonist Rick Countryman performed the final set as a duo, their many collaborations evident in the freedom and flexibility each provides to the other, delivering an exemplary example of a free jazz sax & drum duo.
Toyozumi / Yandsen / Countryman
Future of Change
(ChapChap Records)
The collaboration of American alto saxophonist living in the Philippines Rick Countryman with legendary Japanese free improvising drummer Sabu Toyozumim, also performing on Erhu, continues with this outstanding performance at the LIMBO Art Gallery in Makati, Philippines in 2020, joined by Malaysian tenor saxophonist Yong Yandsen for a burning set of free jazz.
Toyozumi, Sabu / Simon Tan / Rick Countryman / Yong Yandsen
Voices Of The Spirit
(ChapChap Records)
Recorded during a series of concerts reuniting alto saxphonist Rick Countryman with mentor and friend, drummer Sabu Toyozumi, this live concert at Tago Jazz Cafe in Philippines includes acoustic bassist Simon Tan and free improvising Malaysian tenor saxophonist Yong Yandsen, in an adventurous set of extended performances of intertwining reeds and rhythm; superb!
Bucher / Countryman (w/ Simon Tan / Isla Antinero)
Extremely Live in Manila
(ChapChap Records)
A live concert in Quezon City from the Manila based duo of Rich Countryman on alto saxophone and Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, who are joined on one track by acoustic bassist Simon Tan and trombonist Isla Antinero.
Toyozumi, Sabu / Rick Countryman / Simon Tan
The Center of Contradiction
(ChapChap Records)
A live recording from Quezon City, Philippines of the free improvising trio of Sabu Toyozumi on drums, Rick Countryman on alto saxophone, and Simon Tan on acoustic bass, bring the first generation Japanese free improviser together with some of the Philippines' brightest free players for two extended improvisations of lyrical excursions and solid and often surprising rhythmic response.
Bucher / Countryman
Estuary
(Self Released)
A live concert in the Philippines from American expatriate saxophonist Rick Countryman and visiting Swiss drummer Christian Bucher, a classic free jazz drum and sax duo informed by creative playing and superb rhythmic interplay, balancing lyrical progressions with a wonderful stream of concepts, this is a great example of the far reach of free jazz.



Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought:
Nebbia, Camila / Chris Corsano
Six or Seven Ways Towards Becoming Undone
(Relative Pitch)
A fierce, spontaneous duo of Camila Nebbia on tenor saxophone and Chris Corsano on drums, recorded in Berlin in 2025, merging Nebbia's searching lines, breath-driven textures and unstable lyricism with Corsano's explosive, highly detailed percussion language, moving between delicate abrasion, surging intensity, fragmented melody and raw improvised exchange.
Foster, Michael / Christian Weber / Michael Griener
Selections From The Gutter
(Relative Pitch)
NYC saxophonist Michael Foster joins Swiss bassist Christian Weber and Berlin drummer Michael Griener for a visceral trio session of free improv charged with noir tension, drawing on American crime novelist David Goodis-inspired titles as the group moves through fractured momentum, suspenseful restraint and explosive exchanges shaped by deep rhythmic instinct and structural awareness.
Copland, Marc (w/ Feldman / Gress / Pinciotti / Henkelhausen / Burgwinkel)
String Theory
(Inner Voice Jazz)
Centering the lyrical interplay of piano and violin, Marc Copland and Mark Feldman lead two rhythm sections with Drew Gress (bass), the late Anthony Pinciotti (drums) or Felix Henkelhausen (bass), and Jonas Burgwinkel (drums), through intimate, textural performances balancing standards and originals with subtle, exploratory improvisation.
Perelman, Ivo (w/ Marc Ribot / Elliott Sharp / Joe Morris)
Trifecta [3 CDs]
(Mahakala Music)
Uniting tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman with three distinct guitar voices — Marc Ribot, Elliott Sharp, and Joe Morris — this 3-CD set presents three separate duo encounters recorded at Park West Studios in Brooklyn, highlighting contrasting improvisational languages while exploring timbre, interaction, and the expressive possibilities of the guitar in free improv contexts.
Merzbow / Gustafsson / Pandi
Cuts Cut
(Les Disques Victo)
Documenting a ferocious live performance from the 2018 Victoriaville Festival with additional recordings from 2025, the trio of Merzbow (electronics), Mats Gustafsson (bass & baritone sax, electronics), and Balázs Pándi (drums) unleash a volatile collision of noise, free jazz intensity, and crushing rhythmic force of towering electronic textures, blistering sax blasts, and wildly inventive percussion.
Dietrichs (Don Dietrich / Camille Dietrich)
Live Bahdu
(Relative Pitch)
Uniting legendary tenor saxophonist Don Dietrich with cellist Camille Dietrich, this fierce duo performance surges with overwhelming intensity, as lung-shaking sax eruptions collide with raw, textural cello force to engulf the sonic space in dense, high-velocity, noise-driven free improv, captured live at the 2025 Ear We Are festival in Biel, Switzerland.
Brown, Rob / Daniel Levin
Watching And Listening
(Mahakala Music)
A deeply attentive duo of alto saxophonist Rob Brown and cellist Daniel Levin exploring an open language of gestural improvisation, where pitch often yields to texture, motion, and sonic interaction, the pair's long-standing musical trust guiding a fluid exchange that shifts from delicate, exploratory passages to energized bursts of intertwined strings, reeds and curious asides.
Mendoza, Ava / Dave Sewelson
Of It But Not Is It
(Mahakala Music)
A spirited duo between guitarist Ava Mendoza and baritone saxophonist Dave Sewelson, moving fluidly between free improv, soulful grooves, and song-based pieces — including compositions by William Parker — with Mendoza's blues-tinged electric guitar and Sewelson's gritty saxophone and vocals creating a raw, expressive dialog that shifts from earthy lyricism to fiercely charged abstraction.
Flojter (Mats Gustafsson / Delphine Joussein)
Paris Blow
(Utech Records)
The debut from the duo Flöjter brings together Mats Gustafsson and Delphine Joussein, both collaborators in Fire! Orchestra and Nout, in a wild live encounter expanding the sonic possibilities of the flute, weaving extended techniques, electronics, organ, harmonica and voice into a volatile, exploratory dialogue that moves between raw texture, rhythmic drive and spacious abstraction.




The Squid's Ear Magazine

The Squid's Ear Magazine

© 2002-, Squidco LLC