Screening to mark the DVD release of Taking The Dog For A Walk. This feature-length music documentary maps the scene of British Free Improvised Music, past and present, and retraces the road that leads from its emergence and emancipation from the various free music movements in the 1960s to the recent (albeit small) surge in popularity as talented new players and dynamic venues are coming to the fore. 

In his search for the “Britishness” of British free improvised music, director Antoine Prum is assisted by bass sax improviser Tony Bevan and stand-up comedian Stewart Lee, who speak to musicians from different generations and backgrounds to chart the specifics of a genre that refutes the very notion of genre. Alternating with extended live music sequences, the conversations gravitate around the idiosyncrasies of improvisation, from playing in front of the proverbial “four men and a dog” to pursuing a career in a milieu where success is not measured by mainstream criteria. 

With Steve Beresford, Adam Bohman, Sarah Gail Brand, John Butcher, Lol Coxhill, Rhodri Davies, Max Eastley, John Edwards, Caroline Kraabel, Phil Minton, Thurston Moore, Maggie Nicols, Steve Noble, Eddie Prévost, John Russell, Mark Sanders, Alan Tomlinson, Roger Turner, Alex Ward, Trevor Watts, Veryan Weston a.o.

“Taking the Dog For a Walk goes to the heart of a committed, unique music community and showcases the passion that these people have for music. It's a wonderful documentary on a niche genre, but if you like the genre you're going to love this documentary.” - I'm With Geek