Unlaunched Orchestra

Unlaunched Orchestra was a one-off British improvisational jazz ensemble, formed by saxophonist Lol Coxhill with a few members of London Improvisers Orchestra in October 2001 for a live concert in London. Originally organized by Emanem label boss Martin Davidson as a launch party for a retrospective Spectral Soprano 2xCD album, at the last moment the event turned into an 'unlaunch party,' since the long-delayed release was again postponed by the label. At the end of the evening, Coxhill invited other participants to join him in free improvisation, and the Unlaunched Orchestra was formed. Eventually, Spectral Soprano was released by Davidson in January 2002 through Emanem. A solo improvisation from the post-launch party at Sound 323 record store's basement in London, as well as the solo recording from Lincoln Conservatory's Fern Room in Chicago, were released together with Unlaunched Orchestra's full performance on Lol Coxhill's Out To Launch album. Unlaunched Orchestra Ian Smith – trumpet Paul Rutherford – trombone Neil Metcalfe – flute Alex Ward – clarinet Lol Coxhill – soprano saxophone Veryan Weston – piano Olly Blanchflower – double bass Steve Noble – percussion Lu Edmonds – amplified bass banjo Michael Kosmides – theremins Knut Aufermann – electronics Steve Beresford – electronics Pat Thomas – electronics