Kit Downes

Last updated

Kit Downes Kit Downes.jpg
Kit Downes

Kit Downes is a British BBC Jazz Award winning, Mercury Music Award nominated, solo recording artist for ECM Records.

Contents

He has toured the world playing piano, church organ and harmonium with his own bands ('ENEMY', 'Troyka', 'Elt' and 'Vyamanikal') as well as artists such as Squarepusher, Thomas Strønen and Django Bates. He has written commissions for Cheltenham Music Festival, London Contemporary Orchestra, Stavanger Konserthus, Rewire Festival, Cologne Philharmonie, BBC Radio 3 and the Wellcome Trust, as well as collaborating with film-makers, video game developers and classical composers.

Downes performs solo pipe organ and solo piano. He also plays in collaborations with saxophonist Tom Challenger, cellist Lucy Railton, composer Shiva Feshareki and with the band 'ENEMY'. He is also currently working with fiddle-player Aidan O'Rourke, composer Max de Wardener, Berlin-based jazz avant-gardist Oliver Steidle's 'Killing Popes' and with singer/photographer Paula Rae Gibson. He teaches piano and composition at the Royal Academy of Music where in 2019 he was awarded a Fellowship. [1] He used to teach at the Purcell School of Music and is also a patron of the ‘Musical Keys’ charity.

Biography

Downes was an organ scholar at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich, before he left to study piano, organ and composition at the Purcell School of Music and later the Royal Academy of Music (where he later became an Associate and Fellow). [1] Whilst at the RAM he studied with Milton Mermikides. He began performing with and composing for the UK band 'Empirical' – with whom he toured North America and Europe (playing at 'Newport Jazz Festival'), whilst also performing with Acoustic Ladyland, Micachu, Lee Konitz and Django Bates.[ citation needed ]

He received a Mercury Music Award nomination (in 2010), [2] BBC Jazz Award, and a British Jazz Award for his own albums, and later toured with his own group ‘ENEMY’, Troyka, Julian Arguelles' Quartet, Thomas Stronen and Sylvain Darrifourcq – playing all over the world. In 2013 and 2015 he was nominated in the Rising Star category in Downbeat Magazine (US), and in 2014 won the 'Best Album Award' at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. [3] In 2015, Downes recorded his first album for ECM with Thomas Strønen's ‘Time is a Blind Guide’.

In 2013, he was asked by Django Bates to join his new ensemble ’The TDEs’ to play a new commission for both BBC Radio 3 and Cheltenham Jazz Festival (alongside his Troyka band mates). In 2014 he began touring with world famous clinic drummer Benny Greb – after playing the Meinl Drum Festival and he later went onto co-produce Benny's album ‘Moving Parts’. Also in 2014 he was asked by the Southbank Centre to write a new work for the opening festival of the recently refurbished Royal Festival Hall Organ. [4]

In 2015, he worked with Aldeburgh Music and Tom Challenger on a project called ‘Vyamanikal’ – a series of recordings documenting extended techniques on various local church organs – the project was later performed live at the Aldeburgh Festival. [5] He was asked by the Cologne Philharmonie to write a new work for their organ in 2016, and has performed original commissions by Shiva Feshareki for the Union Chapel Organ. He was also commissioned by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the Wellcome Trust, Darmstadt Organ Festival 2015 (with drummer Jonas Burgwinkel), BBC Radio 2, BBC Jazz on 3, Jazzwise Magazine, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, London Contemporary Music Festival and the London Jazz Festival.

Also in 2015, Downes was asked to join Squarepusher’s live band ‘Shobaleader One’ – interpreting works from Squarepusher's back catalogue for a live band. Downes also collaborated (on a range of acoustic and electronic instruments) with composers Matt Rogers and Mica Levi, electronic musician Leafcutter John, drummer Seb Rochford, filmmaker Ashley Pegg, artist Dave McKean, animator Lesley Barnes and geneticist Adam Rutherford (for the Wellcome Trust).

In 2016, Downes was commissioned to compose a work for organ and four cellos for ‘Tre Voci’ [6] to be performed in Oslo in 2016, as well as a new work for ‘Stavanger Organ Day 2016’. He later adapted ‘Vyamanikal’ for Manchester Jazz Festival 2016 and co-curated a music technology instillation at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2016.

52 Studies for Right Hand Downes wrote 52 piano pieces for right-hand only in 2017 (having injured his left hand). He wrote one piece for every day of his recovery. [7]

Between November 2017 and March 2018, Downes was part of the musical ensemble that composed music and appeared on stage for the Royal National Theatre's production of 'Network' starring Bryan Cranston.

In January 2018, Downes released his first solo record with ECM. [8] 'Obsidian' is a collection of solo organ works and is a musical response to volcanicity, slow processes that cause extreme reactions. A mixture of written and semi-scored/semi-improvised pieces, it focuses on the nuances and unique features of both smaller chamber organs local to rural Suffolk as well as larger grander instruments from bigger cities around the UK. It is both a study of extended techniques from instruments sometimes in states of disrepair, and a connection and adaptation of the improvised tradition of the instrument, exploring themes of duration, vibration and mechanics.

Also in 2018, Downes worked with Aidan O'Rourke on his latest project – the mammoth tune-cycle '365'. O'Rourke wrote a tune every day for a year in response to a short story collection by James Robertson. The result is a major new body of 365 tunes which O'Rourke is recording solo and in duos with Downes, guitarist Sorren Maclean and harpist Esther Swift. 365: Vol 1 was released in May 2018. 365: Volume 2 was released in August 2019. [9]

Awards

Discography

An asterisk (*) after the year indicates that it is the year of release.

As leader/co-leader

Year recordedTitleLabelNotes
2008–09TroykaEditionAs Troyka. Trio, with Chris Montague (guitar), Joshua Blackmore (drums)
2009*HomelyImpureDuo. With Tom Cawley (piano)
2009* Golden BashoTrio. With Calum Gourlay (bass), James Maddren (drums)
2010Catch MeEditionAs Neon Quartet. Quartet. With Stan Sulzmann (sax), Jim Hart (vibes, marimba), Tim Giles (drums)
2011* Quiet Tiger BashoTrio. With Calum Gourlay (bass), James Maddren (drums). Some tracks quintet, with Adrien Dennefeld (cello), James Allsopp (tenor sax, bass clarinet) added
2012*SubjektEditionAs Neon Quartet. Quartet. With Stan Sulzmann (sax), Jim Hart (vibes), Tim Giles (drums)
2012*MoxxyEditionAs Troyka. Trio, with Chris Montague (guitar), Joshua Blackmore (drums)
2013*Light from Old StarsBashoQuintet. With James Allsopp (clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax), Lucy Railton (cello), Calum Gourlay (bass), James Maddren (drums)
2013*Wedding MusicLoopDuo. With Tom Challenger (tenor sax)
2013*Little Moon ManSolo piano. Credited to Chris Hyson as composer. Released as digital EP [14]
2013Alive with Closed EyesSolo piano. Credited to Chris Hyson as composer. Released as digital EP
2013Live at the 2013 Cheltenham Jazz FestivalImpossible ArkAs Troykestra. Orchestra. With Chris Montague (guitar), Joshua Blackmore (drums), Reuben Fowler (trumpet), Alex Bonney (trumpet), Noel Langley (trumpet), Imogen Hancock (trumpet), Kieran Stickle McLeod (trombone), Patrick Hayes (trombone), Tom Green (trombone), Courtney Brown Bass (trombone), Mike Chillingworth (alto sax), Nadim Teimoori (alto sax), Sam Miles (tenor sax), James Allsop (tenor sax), Sam Rapley (bass clarinet, baritone sax), Louis Van Der Westhuizen (bass), Ralph Hero Wyld (vibes); in concert [15]
2015*OrnithophobiaNaimAs Troyka. Trio, with Chris Montague (guitar), Joshua Blackmore (drums)
2015VyamanikalSlipDuo. With Tom Challenger (sax)
2018*Obsidian ECM Most tracks solo church organ; one track duo, with Tom Challenger (tenor sax)
2018*Enemy Edition As Enemy. Trio, with Frans Petter Eldh (bass), James Maddren (drums)
2018*Emotion MachineSlowfoot (vinyl only)Duo with Paula Rae Gibson
2019*Dreamlife Of Debris ECM Quintet with Tom Challenger, Lucy Railton, Sebastian Rochford and Stian Westerhus
2021*SubaerialSN VariationsAs Lucy Railton & Kit Downes
2022*Vermillion ECM Trio with Frans Petter Eldh and James Maddren
2022* Multi-DirectionalRaw TonkTrio with Andrew Lisle and John Edwards
2022*Deadeye [16] Dox Organ trio Deadeye with Reinier Baas (guitar) and Jonas Burgwinkel (drums)

As sideman

Year recordedBand/LeaderTitleLabelNotes
2007* Empirical EmpiricalDestin-EQuintet. With Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Jay Phelps (trumpet), Neil Charles (bass), Shaney Forbes (drums)
2009* Clark Tracey Current ClimateTentotenSextet. With Paul Jordanous (trumpet), Pieres Green (sax), Lewis Wright (vibes), Ryan Trebilcock (bass)
2009* The Golden Age of SteamRaspberry TongueBabelTrio. With James Allsopp (reeds), Tim Giles (drums)
2011* Threads OrchestraThreadsOrchestra. With Adam Robinson (viola), Julian Gregory (violin), Semay Wu (cello), Chris Montague (guitar), Dai Pritchard (soprano sax), Ralph Wyld (vibes), Rus Pearson (bass), Joost Hendrickx (drums)
2012*George CrowleyPaper UniverseWhirlwindQuartet. With Calum Gourlay (bass), James Maddren (drums)
2012* The Golden Age of SteamWelcome to Bat CountryBashoTrio. With James Allsopp (reeds), Tim Giles (drums). Some tracks quartet, quintet, sextet, with Alex Bonney (trumpet), James Widden (violin, viola), Alison Holford (cello), Ruth Goller (electric bass)
2013* Nostalgia 77 Journey Too FarTru Thoughts
2015 Thomas Strønen Time Is a Blind Guide ECM
2017 Jeff Williams Lifelike Whirlwind Sextet, with Gonçalo Marquez (trumpet), John O'Gallagher (alto sax), Josh Arcoleo (tenor sax), Sam Lasserson (bass)
2022 Lucia Cadotsch AkiHeartcoreMost tracks quartet, with Phil Donkin (bass), James Maddren (drums); some tracks quintet, with Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar) added [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Jarrett</span> American jazz/classical pianist and composer (born 1945)

Keith Jarrett is an American pianist and composer. Jarrett started his career with Art Blakey and later moved on to play with Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. Since the early 1970s, he has also been a group leader and solo performer in jazz, jazz fusion, and classical music. His improvisations draw from the traditions of jazz and other genres, including Western classical music, gospel, blues, and ethnic folk music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Holland</span> British jazz musician

David Holland is an English double bassist, bass guitarist, cellist, composer and bandleader who has been performing and recording for five decades. He has lived in the United States since the early 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm section</span> Group of musicians within a music ensemble or band

A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm section is often contrasted with the roles of other musicians in the band, such as the lead guitarist or lead vocals whose primary job is to carry the melody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Surman</span> English jazz musician and composer

John Douglas Surman is an English jazz saxophone, clarinet, and synthesizer player, and composer of free jazz and modal jazz, often using themes from folk music. He has composed and performed music for dance performances and film soundtracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Potter (jazz saxophonist)</span> American jazz musician and composer

Chris Potter is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul McCandless</span> American jazz musician

Paul Brownlee McCandless Jr. is an American multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the American jazz group Oregon. He is one of the few jazz oboists. He also plays bass clarinet, English horn, flute, penny whistle, tenor saxophone, sopranino saxophone, and soprano saxophone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobo Stenson</span> Swedish jazz pianist

Bobo Stenson is a Swedish jazz pianist. The Bobo Stenson Trio, formed in collaboration with Anders Jormin (bass) and Jon Fält (drums), has been in existence for over five decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gwilym Simcock</span> Welsh pianist and composer

Gwilym Simcock is a Welsh pianist and composer working in both jazz and classical music. He was chosen as one of the 1000 Most Influential People in London by the Evening Standard. He was featured on the front cover of the August 2007 issue of the UK's Jazzwise magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seb Rochford</span> British musician

Sebastian Rochford is a British drummer and composer. He has recorded and released music as leader of the British band Polar Bear, as Kutcha Butcha and as part of numerous collaborations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Django Bates</span> British composer, musician, band leader and educator (born 1960)

Django Bates is a British jazz musician, composer, multi-instrumentalist, band leader and educator. He plays the piano, keyboards and the tenor horn. Bates has been described as "one of the most talented musicians Britain has produced... his work covers the entire spectrum of jazz, from early jazz through to bebop and free jazz to jazz-rock fusion."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Craig Taborn</span> American keyboardist and composer (born 1970)

Craig Marvin Taborn is an American pianist, organist, keyboardist and composer. He works solo and in bands, mostly playing various forms of jazz. He started playing piano and Moog synthesizer as an adolescent and was influenced at an early stage by a wide range of music, including by the freedom expressed in recordings of free jazz and contemporary classical music.

Iain Ballamy is a British composer and saxophonist. He is considered one of the 25 greatest jazz saxophonists of all time and was featured as one of the world's all-time greats in BBC Music Magazine's "100 Jazz Legends". The Guardian described him as "one of the world's distinctive saxophone voices". One of his closest musical collaborators is Django Bates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nik Bärtsch</span> Swiss pianist, composer, and bandleader

Nik Bärtsch is a Swiss pianist, composer, bandleader, record producer and author from Zürich.

Huw Thomas Watkins is a British composer and pianist. Born in South Wales, he studied piano and composition at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, where he received piano lessons from Peter Lawson. He then went on to read music at King's College, Cambridge, where he studied composition with Robin Holloway and Alexander Goehr, and completed an MMus in composition at the Royal College of Music, where he studied with Julian Anderson. Huw Watkins was awarded the Constant and Kit Lambert Junior Fellowship at the Royal College of Music, where he used to teach composition. He is currently Honorary Research Fellow at the Royal College of Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dobrinka Tabakova</span> British/Bulgarian composer (born 1980)

Dobrinka Tabakova is a Bulgarian-British composer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Strønen</span> Norwegian jazz drummer

Thomas Pohlitz Strønen is a Norwegian jazz drummer who has recorded more than 70 albums. He has worked with Iain Ballamy, Arve Henriksen, Mats Eilertsen, Ashley Slater, Eivind Aarset, Christian Fennesz, Nils Petter Molvaer, Bobo Stenson, John Taylor, Tore Brunborg, Morten Qvenild, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Sidsel Endresen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Tomasz Stanko, Koichi Makigami, Ernst Reijseger, Nils-Olav Johansen, and Stian Carstensen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mats Eilertsen</span> Norwegian jazz musician and composer

Mats Eilertsen is a Norwegian jazz musician and composer. He is known for recording with numerous bands, including the Maria Kannegaard Trio, Ola Kvernberg, Nils Økland, Eldbjørg Raknes, Anders Aarum Trio, Eirik Hegdal, Sverre Gjørvad, Nymark Collective, SKRUK, «Jazzmob», «Dingobats», Håkon Kornstad Trio, Food with Iain Ballamy, Jacob Young Band, Solveig Slettahjell's Slow Motion Orchestra, Håvard Wiik Trio, and «JazzCode».

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First House (band)</span>

First House was a British jazz quartet that was active between 1983 and 1990. Founded and led by saxophonist and composer Ken Stubbs, the group also consisted of Django Bates on piano, Mick Hutton on acoustic bass and Martin France on drum kit and percussion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edition Records</span> Cardiff-based independent record label

Edition Records is an independent record label that was founded in 2008 by pianist Dave Stapleton and photographer Tim Dickeson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Luft</span> English jazz musician

Rob Luft is an English jazz guitarist and composer from London, United Kingdom. He has released three albums, Riser, Life Is The Dancer & Dahab Days, as a solo artist on British label Edition Records. His playing has also been documented on several albums released by the legendary German jazz label ECM Records, most notably on John Surman's critically acclaimed 2024 release Words Unspoken.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "2019 Academy Honours Announced – Royal Academy of Music". Ram.ac.uk.
  2. "Jazz breaking news: Kit Downes Trio Nominated For The Mercury". Jazzwise.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  3. "Parliamentary Jazz Awards winners announced". Completemusicupdate.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  4. Hewett, Ivan (13 March 2014). "Celebrating the organ: jazz's most unlikely instrument?". The Daily Telegraph .
  5. "Kit Downes & Tom Challenger". Snapemaltings.co.uk.
  6. "Recordings". Trevocicelloensemble.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  7. "Kit Downes : 52 One Hand Pieces for Piano" (PDF). Kitdownes.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  8. Records, E. C. M. "ECM Records". Ecmrecords.com.
  9. "Aidan O'Rourke: About". Aidanorourke.net. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  10. "BBC – Music – Jazz Awards 2008". BBC.
  11. "Mercury Prize". Mercuryprize.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  12. "Salvant Tops 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll". Downbeat.com. 24 June 2019.
  13. "71st Annual Critics Poll: Complete Results". DownBeat. Vol. 90, no. 8. August 2023. p. 47.
  14. Mann, Ian (2013) "Little Moon Man – Played by Kit Downes". Thejazzman.com
  15. Mann, Ian (2013) "Live at the 2013 Cheltenham Jazz Festival". Thejazzman.com
  16. "Album "Deadeye" by Deadeye". bandcamp.org. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  17. "Aki". luciacadotsch.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 31 December 2023.