Bruno Heinen & James Kitchman - Rain Shadows (2023) [Official Digital Download]

Musical synergy was evident from the first two notes of Thelonious Monk’s ‘Bemsha Swing’ that were played by guitarist James Kitchman and pianist Bruno Heinen without any count-in, prior discussion, or eye contact. This was the opening night of a monthly residency held at Kansas Smitty’s jazz bar in East London in 2017. The duo has since developed a common improvisational language which takes influence from the chronology of great guitar/piano duos in jazz: Jim Hall and Bill Evans; through to Fred Hersh and Julian Lage.

"The album features compositions by each of us, interspersed with free improvisations. We wanted to capture the musical dialogue and rapport that we’ve developed whilst keeping a feeling of focussed freedom. Our compositional styles come together through a shared harmonic language, reminiscent of composer Charles Ives and the period of early twentieth century music at which tonality was reaching breaking point and beginning to unravel. The album travels across a spectrum of moods on its path; from bright optimism to the murky depths of despair and back again.”

Their debut album ‘Rain Shadows’ – a carefully balanced brew of original compositions and improvisations is due for release in 2022.

“Demonstrating that originality doesn’t have to be complicated” (The Observer, on Bruno Heinen)

“Huge amounts of style and panache” (BBC Radio 3, on James Kitchman)

Tracklist:
01. Warm Valley
02. End of Summer
03. Snowed In with Cedar Walton
04. Electrical Storm
05. Rain Shadows
06. Dune Movement
07. Cold Light of Morning
08. Bliss


Thanks to the Original customer!