By Ivana Ng | Published May 2022
On Vermillion, pianist Kit Downes’ latest album, the bandleader and his frequent collaborators, bassist Petter Eldh and drummer James Maddren, explore chamber music in a free-jazz framework. Downes’ cerebral yet accessible piano shines in this trio, complemented by Eldh’s assertive bass and Maddren’s versatile percussions. On “Minus Monks,” his bright melody is juxtaposed against free jazz drums and romantic bass lines. Downes then turns to melancholy phrases in “Plus Puls,” supported by mentholated drums and timbral bass notes.
Downes’ piano has a cinematic quality that allows the trio to explore a wide range of moods and motifs. On “Rolling Thunder,” his notes are sparse yet muscular, evoking a noir scene for Eldh’s ominous bass lines. Downes releases the tension with a swinging melody on “Sandilands,” making way for introspective extended improvisation on the bass. Throughout the record, Downes and Eldh engage in call and response to explore the intersections of chamber music and jazz. On “Seceda,” Eldh’s understated blues lines provide the foundation for Downes’ sweeping orchestral melody. “Waders” sees the two melding classical movement with jazz tempo for a whimsical Monk-esque tune.
Maddren’s chameleonic drums, which have been the rhythm backbone to many of Downes’ projects, play an integral role in this record, moving seamlessly from blues backbeats in “Sister, Sister” to bebop rhythms in “Waders” to orchestral lines in “Bobbl’s Song.” This is a trio that is equally comfortable in the expansiveness of free jazz and the methodical structures of chamber music. Vermillion showcases its prowess and synergy.
Vermillion: Minus Monks; Sister, Sister; Seceda; Plus Puls; Rolling Thunder; Sandilands; Waders; Class Fails; Bobbl’s Song; Math Amager; Castles Made Of Sand. (45:35)
Personnel: Kit Downes, piano; Petter Eldh, bass; James Maddren, drums.
Ordering Info: kitdownes.com
