Darren Williams is a British Columbia based saxophonist and bassoonist who pushes the limits of improvisation and extended instrumental technique into regions that are lyrical, terrifying, uncanny, and “more fun than spiked punch live” (Georgia Straight).  Described as a “raw, vocal explorer,” (Stuart Broomer, Musicworks, Downbeat) Darren has toured across Canada, having performed and recorded with many internationally celebrated musicians including Juno award winning artist Gordon Grdina (Vancouver), Eugene Chadbourne (USA), Chris Corsano (USA), Mats Gustafsson (Sweden), and Han Bennink (Netherlands.)  He is involved in numerous ensembles and projects, such as comprising one third of the Branchroot Ensemble which released their debut album Far From the Tree in 2023, as well as co-leading the free jazz quintet Robots On Fire which performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.  Williams released a critically acclaimed album of his own solo compositions for tenor saxophone entitled Reed, which intersects composition, improvisation, extended instrumental technique, and physical endurance.  A follow-up album entitled Musical Idiot is being released in early 2024 on the label Infidels Jazz.  Williams also directs the Skin and Bones Music Series dedicated to the presentation of experimental music and contemporary improvisation/composition within the Okanagan Valley by artists both local and abroad.  Darren holds a BFA in music performance from York University and has studied with Casey Sokol, David Mott, George Lewis, and François Houle.