X-Legged Sally
| Company type | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Peter Vermeersch |
| Defunct | 1997 |
Area served | Belgium, international |
Key people | Peter Vermeersch |
| Products | Jazz fusion, rock, classical and improvisational music performances and albums |
X-Legged Sally (abbreviated as XLS) was an innovative Belgian ensemble active from 1988 to 1997, founded by composer Peter Vermeersch. They are recognized for their groundbreaking fusion of jazz, rock, classical elements, and improvisation, playing a crucial role in the emergence of Belgium's indie music landscape during the 1990s.
Biography
Originally created to bring Vermeersch's compositions to life for dance performances such as Immer das Selbe Gelogen (1991), X-Legged Sally evolved beyond the strict adherence to written scores that characterized Vermeersch’s earlier group Maximalist!. Improvisation became a defining feature of their musical identity. The band debuted live in November 1988 and, while continuing collaborations with dance companies, soon forged a reputation as an autonomous musical act.
Following the international acclaim of Maximalist!, XLS gained exposure by performing at New York’s renowned avant-garde jazz venue Knitting Factory, with one of their live recordings included on Live at the Knitting Factory, vol. 4 (1990). Their first two albums, Slow-Up (1991) and Killed by Charity (1993), were produced by Bill Laswell, which was notable for securing international distribution uncommon for Belgian bands at that time.
Their third release, Eggs and Ashes (1994), compiled pieces written for three productions by Wim Vandekeybus’s dance company Ultima Vez and featured vocalist Mauro Pawlowski on the track "Lulu". With The Land of the Giant Dwarfs (1995), XLS showcased a refined sound marked by intricate arrangements, stronger melodic content, and vocal elements. As members began exploring other directions, their farewell performance in April 1996 was captured and issued as the album Fired. Their final studio effort, Bereft of a Blissful Union (1997), served as a soundtrack for another Vandekeybus dance project.
After the group disbanded, individual members pursued various ventures: Peter Vermeersch went on to establish A Group and subsequently Flat Earth Society, Eric Sleichim created Bl!ndman, and Pierre Vervloesem continued an active solo career alongside numerous collaborations.
Members
- Peter Vermeersch
- Pierre Vervloesem
- Bruno Deneuter
- Paul Belgrado
- Bart Maris
- Eric Sleichim
- Michel Mast
- Jean-Luc Plouvier
- Peter Vandenberghe
- Danny Van Hoeck
- Pieter Lamot
- Michel Delory
- Jan Weuts
- Thierry Mondelaers
Discography
- Live at the Knitting Factory, vol. 4 (1990) (includes one live track)
- Slow-Up (1991)
- Immer das Selbe Gelogen (1991) (X-Legged Sally performing original compositions)
- Killed By Charity (1993)
- Eggs and Ashes (1994)
- The Land of the Giant Dwarfs (1995)
- Fired (1996)
- Bereft of a Blissful Union (1997)