Steve Beresford studied music at York University before moving in 1974 to London, where he became an energetic member of what became known as the second generation of free improvisors. Equipped with piano, toy instruments, low-grade electronics and fine comic timing, his improvised performances in countless ad hoc groups, including Derek Bailey’s Company, have been in equal measure entertaining and subversive. In 1977, with Peter Cusack, David Toop and Terry Day, Beresford formed Alterations, a group that embraced any instrument or style and blew apart expectations of how free improvised music should sound. Beresford’s solo work has extended into numerous genres including dub, pop, Bollywood, chamber music and scores for film and television. His many collaborations include a celebrated duo with Han Bennink and ongoing projects with Christian Marclay. After working with Butch Morris’s conduction ensemble in the late 1990s Beresford helped form The London Improvisers Orchestra. He currently teaches at the University of Westminster.
