Christopher Duffin is a Leeds-based multi-instrumentalist and producer who has toured internationally playing synths and saxophone for artists such as Yard Act. “Duffin isn’t just some decorative noise-maker, but a crucial corrupting influence,” Pitchfork describes. “He wields his sax like a flamethrower, blasting open portals into unrestrained psych-jazz chaos.” A keen collaborator, Chris has recorded and toured internationally with avant-garde experimental musicians, Virginia Wing, electronic spiritual jazz acts, James Holden and XAM Duo, and providing free improvisation with post-punk outfit, Drahla.
In his collaboration with Teresa Winter as part of the hcmf// shorts 2023 programme, Chris performed a 20-minute improvisation, combining the tones of his saxophone with her violin and vocals, extending and processing pelagic drones with electronics. Both artists’ solo works often relate to the landscape and psychogeography of the English coast from where they both originate, against the backdrop of the North Sea. The comfort of the waves’ rhythms, textures and airs simultaneous with their vertiginous nature provided inspiration for this performance.