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  | 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 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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