Mark Wastell, born in Orsett, England, in 1968, is an English musician known for his work as a free improvisation artist. He plays cello, double bass, electronics, tam tam, and percussion, performing solo and in various group settings. In the 1990s, Wastell was instrumental in developing New London Silence, a form of free improvisation characterized by soft sounds and delicate attack. He formed Confront Recordings in 1996, which became known for releasing contemporary avant-garde and improvised music. Notable collaborations include IST with Simon H. Fell and Rhodri Davies, releasing albums like Anagrams To Avoid (1997), and The Sealed Knot with Burkhard Beins and Rhodri Davies, releasing The Sealed Knot (2000). Wastell also released solo albums such as Vibra #1 (2004). His work has been recognized for its intricate and communicative nature, contributing significantly to the free improvisation scene.
