It certainly proved quite exciting discovering this new music earlier today from guitarist Robin Katz. I had not heard of the Londoner before and find his sound, while trying unsuccessfully to curb my enthusiasm at least a bit, quite bewitching & land, as it were, over the moon – Gary.
‘The Moon’ arpeggiating exuberantly is drawn from an album out later this spring called Hypnos.
Katz has already issued a stunning version of the much beloved Ryuichi Sakamoto movie theme ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’ the film that had David Bowie starring as Major Jack “Strafer” Celliers in the 1983 flick, arranged here by Barak Schmool – of F-IRE Collective fond regard – that also captivates.
Katz says: “These pieces were initially written as études for solo guitar, and they reflect the wide range of influences found in the music I love to listen to.”
Katz explains that “Hypnos is the Greek god of sleep, the father of Morpheus, the god of dreams” and that “the inclusion of the Hammond organ came from a desire to pair the nylon-string guitar with an instrument you don’t usually hear alongside it.”
MORE FROM MARLBANK
Cécile McLorin Salvant Covers Cy Coleman, Stephen Sondheim & Billy Strayhorn on Her 1st Orchestral Album
A sumptuous return to form
‘Azimuth’ anticipates the release of a tantalising Norma Winstone Maida Vale Session
A great year for Norma Winstone fans continues
Flautist Gareth Lockrane to become a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music
Fellowship for the Box of Tricks man
Binker Golding and Denys Baptiste to appear in Tomorrow’s Warriors’ 35th anniversary season
Tomorrow’s Warriors anniversary
John McNeil Trio, There Is No Greater Love, SteepleChase ****
Dusted down from a Denmark date in the 1980s, an unheard live gem from John McNeil – who was an inspirational teacher and master of trumpet – such tone, repertoire and tasteful technique relieves any lingering ennui you may be experiencing right now if stuck for something decent to listen to. McNeil is ably accompanied…
Simone Locarni and Tom Arthurs, Alianti, Abeat **** recommended
Landing empathetically in the special place that is the Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor universe, this is an album introducing a new duo that wards off ennui and rewards deep listening so tenderly.
Mick Goodrick and Fred Hersch, Feebles, Fables & Ferns, ECM ****
A one off from the 1980s released for the first time.
Dad jazz
Chiming with the coincidence – or is it? – of Father’s Day arriving in both the UK and the US this Sunday, a new high profile quartet is preparing for the July release of their debut album. The signs are good from what I’ve heard today. Formed initially for a 2023 residency at the Montreal…
Jas Kayser paying tribute to Tony Allen and Cassie Kinoshi at a ramped up Hackney Wick
Autumn happening coming together in east London
