Didja Feel The Music of... Kit Downes

Ideas come to us from many places, at many times, in many shapes—sometimes the ideas are just a hint of something, sometimes they come in more substantial forms.

My mind responds with all kinds of ideas when listening to the creative force of musicians who compose pieces with subtle melody and who play with interesting inventiveness. Their music provides imagery of its own, at the same time leaving space for me to feel myself moving in a different direction, sparking new ideas.
        

Kit Downes is an artist I first heard on Brian Soundy’s “Jazz in the 21^st Century” on ukjazzradio.com.  He is an inspiring composer and pianist who, together with other fine musicians, presents thought-provoking music, which is also extremely good listening. I feel the stalking of the animal in his composition “Quiet Tiger” and travel through the heavens with “Wander and Colossus.” The improvisation excites, the more melodic threads bring a feeling of calm, and the breathing spaces there in the compositions and performances leave room to ignite lots of new ideas.

There is a sense of space surrounding me as the cello and piano climb quietly at first, leading slowly into a free musical flight. Then the bass and drums firmly support the piano as it solos with a more formed jazz styling. Throughout I feel the exploration, yet this ship is a sturdy one, able to encounter the unknown, examine it a bit and navigate smoothly forward. I wonder where they will head next as the cello leads it out of my hearing.  

       

Listen and, if you want, share the ideas and feelings you have when you hear “Wander and Colossus” from the album Light from Old Stars 
https://soundcloud.com/kitdownesmusic/wander-and-colossus