Record Reviews

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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