James Kitchman: First Quartet (UBU0097)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of composer/guitarist James Kitchman for his debut album release, First Quartet, on 28th January 2022.

James leads a cast of London’s finest improvisers: pianist Bruno Heinen (Denys Baptiste); bassist Tom McCredie (Elliot Galvin); and drummer Shane Forbes (Empirical). They play James' compositions which draw influences from the variety of musical worlds he traverses; from jazz, to chamber music, to contemporary folk. Improvisation and empathic listening are at the core of the group’s spirit, conjuring a sound that is equally stark and refreshing.

James describes the idea behind the album: “Having spent the best part of a decade honing my craft as a guitarist and improviser, I made it to a place where I felt my experience and imagination start to converge, so I began to compose the music for this record. There are influences from lots of places - I didn’t want to shy away from exhibiting certain aspects of myself, nor from my jazz tendencies. There are nods to my beginnings in folk and psychedelic rock, harmonies derived from the melancholy and romanticism of Astor Piazzolla and the Nuevo-Tango, melodies inspired by composers such as Chopin and Satie, the expansive textures of Scandinavian jazz and the ‘ECM’ sound, and of course the masters of jazz who continue to inspire and inform my playing style (Coltrane, Rollins, Jim Hall, Scofield, Frisell). I hope this results in a record that will be enjoyed by eclectic listeners and aficionados alike.”

James continues: “The quartet is completed by three very happening players (Bruno Heinen - piano, Tom McCredie - bass, & Shane Forbes - drums) each of whom I have played with for a number of years. When I formed the group I knew that they would sound great together - and it sounded that way from the first few notes. They understood what the music was about and brought the vibe in the studio. This record is as much my debut as a jazz guitarist and bandleader as it is a composer. I wanted to create environments in which things could happen musically, and for me they did.”

“Quietly rebellious”

--Songlines Magazine

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, James concludes: “I am thrilled to join the Ubuntu Music family alongside a roster of so many fine artists. Martin Hummel has created an exciting and dynamic label and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “James has a style and a touch, all his own. His influences are diverse, which are reflected in his playing. He’s amassed top drawer talent. ‘First Quartet’, his debut album, captures this magic, taking the listener on a hypnotic audio journey. We welcome James and the Quartet to the Ubuntu Music family.”