Record Reviews

KIT DOWNES ~ LIGHT FROM OLD STARS BASHO 42 (Barcode: 832929004223) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the 3rd album as a leader by British Jazz keyboardist / composer Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist James AllsoppFind albums by this artist, cellist Lucy RailtonFind albums by this artist, bassist Calum GourlayFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist, the same rhythm section that played on his previous album “Quiet TigerFind albums with this title”, and which also featured Allsopp and a cellist on most of its tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Downes. The album shows the rapid progression Downes made during his early period, which brought him to the center of attention first on the local Jazz scene and soon after on the International scene, following him joining the ECMFind albums on this label roster with the release of his debut album for the label in 2018, called “ObsidianFind albums with this title”. Downes plays both piano and organ and already on this early album he plays organ on three tracks. The music, although based on strictly composed themes, tends at times towards Free Jazz and Improvised Music, which is not really Downes’ true forte, as he is a formidable weaver of melodic, often highly sentimental themes, which are truly mesmerizing. There are plenty of examples of such compositions herein, and they are all as surprising as always, which makes listening to this album a thrill. There is no doubt that Downes is one of the most important representatives of the third generation of the British Jazz musicians, and with his unique talent he has a lot of creative work ahead of him and his early recording period is definitely worth being discovered, if one missed it at the time, Overall, this is an important release in the discography of Downes, which by now is quite impressive and extensive. The splendid team add quite a spark to the music, which sounds as fresh and unexpectedly quirky as it did at the time of its release.

Updated: 21/03/2025Posted: 21/03/2025

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KIT DOWNES TRIO ~ QUIET TIGER BASHO 34 (Barcode: 832929003424) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd album by British Jazz pianist / composer Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio, which also includes bassist Calum GourlayFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist James AllsoppFind albums by this artist and cellist Adrien DennefeldFind albums by this artist guest on all but three of the tracks, but their contributions are relatively minimal. The album present eleven tracks, all of which are original compositions by the leader. Since his appearance on the British Jazz scene just a decade and a half ago, Downes managed to create quite a stir and draw a lot of attention, as well as managed to build up a sizeable recording legacy, making him probably the most noticeable “new arrival”. I have had the pleasure of listening to him play on several occasions and I must admit he does stand out from the crowd. His compositions are unusual, often quirky and unpredictable, both rhythmically and harmonically, and his broad range of musical activities is altogether very impressive. This album is quite an early recording by Downes, but already here all those odd, surprising elements are vividly present, which makes the music truly fascinating. The definition of Jazz as “the Art of the unexpected” fits to Downes’ music perhaps more than to most other contemporary Jazz musicians around. I have often thought that Downes reminds me of Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, and his quirkiness, which made him stand out among most Bebop players at the time. Some of the tracks on this album, are a living proof of that “Monk theory”, taken some seventy years forward. Listeners, who know their Monk will understand what I am saying. In short, this is seemingly a classic Jazz piano trio album, but it is nothing like a classic Jazz piano trio album that most people ever heard, I guarantee you! Overall, this is a brilliant piece of contemporary Jazz, completely unique and fascinating, which should be heard by every Jazz lover on this planet, although many might probably not like it too much, at least at first. Downes is a musician worth keeping an eye (ear) on, for example please note his album with the British Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist “Outpost Of DreamsFind albums with this title”. Enough said!

Updated: 04/02/2025Posted: 04/02/2025

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PABLO HELD ~ BUOYANCY HOPALIT 004 (Barcode: 4064832992199) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the 16th album by German pianist / composer Pablo HeldFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which includes British trumpeter Percy PursgloveFind albums by this artist and organist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, and German drummer Leif BegerFind albums by this artist. Legendary British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist guests on one track, to which she also wrote the lyrics. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are original compositions by Held, one is by Berger and two are from other sources. The liner notes were written by the great British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which makes this album even more connected to British Jazz that it is already. Held is a popular artist on the German / European scene and a prolific recording artists with eighteen albums as a leader to his credit at the time of writing, most recorded with his trio. His music is very melodic, but by far not simplistic, and he is an accomplished pianist and composer. This album presents an unusual lineup of piano and organ, trumpet and drums, which enables him to present deeply melodic vistas, which allow extensive improvisations by all the members of the quartet. The resulting sound is intriguing and highly unusual, as usual when Downes is aboard, and should be very interesting to many listeners not familiar with his playing. Overall, this is a very introvert, slow and somewhat demanding album, which offers many surprising moments and a highly unusual atmosphere, which all add to create a fascinating sonic voyage. The only pity is that Winstone is not present on more tracks, as her presence is always invaluable. This album is a great introduction to Held’s music, which hopefully more listeners will discover.

Updated: 09/08/2024Posted: 09/08/2024

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NORMA WINSTONE / KIT DOWNES ~ OUTPOST OF DREAMS ECM 2811 (Barcode: 602465191387) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by British Jazz duo comprising of vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and pianist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, four of which were composed by Downes, another four were composed by various composers and two are traditional tunes. Winstone wrote the lyrics to nine of the tracks. The music was recorded at the Artesuono Studio in Udine, Italy and engineered by Stefano AmerioFind albums by this artist, and offers a sensational sound quality. British vocal Jazz Diva Norma Winstone (born 1941) is in absolute top form and her many followers are able to enjoy another masterly album featuring her unique sensitivities and talents. This intimate duo setting is the best opportunity to hear her vocal delivery, which despite her age is still stunningly clear and convincing, as it has always been. This carefully selected set of compositions, which she enhances by adding her poetic lyrics, are immediately recognizable and characteristic of her work, which is magically expressive at all times. The album does require attentive listening and concentration, in order to enjoy the complex details, but the effort is fully rewarded. Kit Downes (born 1986) is less than half Winstone’s age, and yet he proves to be an ideal companion in this musical enterprise. His idiosyncratic compositions and approach to the piano reflect ideally the aesthetic values in the singer’s stylistics, and their work proves to be way beyond just the sum of the ingredients, where they fit and complement each other perfectly. I have been an admirer of Norma’s qualities since I first heard her in the late 1960s, when she was at the focus of the burgeoning new British Jazz explosion, recording one sublime album after another. Her collected recording legacy is an absolute treasure trove of British / European Jazz, and this album is another jewel in the collection. Overall, this is another brilliant addition to the magnificent life-long career of this great Artist, which none of her many admirers will dare to miss in their collections. It is minimalist and demanding, but exquisitely beautiful and aesthetically gratifying.

Updated: 26/08/2024Posted: 26/08/2024

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