Our Editor

image

Matthew Ruddick

Editor
Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
  • 1
Friday, 15 April 2022 01:16

James Kitchman - First Quartet

Written by 
    Authors Ranking: Authors Ranking
Rate this item
(5 votes)
Elana Shapiro reviews guitarist James Kitchman's excellent new album.

I spent two years living in Newcastle, and when I read jazz guitarist’s, James Kitchman’s biography, after listening to his excellent new album, First Quartet on repeat, I was unsurprised to learn he hails from Northumberland. Whilst he may have come a long way since then, both figuratively and literally, a place so wonderfully beautiful, with such an unassailable sense of identity, must leave a formative impression – perhaps it is why the North East has such a rich history of producing remarkable musicians and James Kitchman is certainly another name to be added to the list.

First Quartet is Kitchman’s first attempt at leading a quartet – the name of the album is quite apt – yet it does not sound that way in the slightest, except in the sense that it is an exciting and authentic piece of work, unshrouded by worries and expectations. Tracks are well textured and feel easy to listen to. Collaborators Bruno Heinen, Tom McCredie and Shane Forbes work comfortably together under the guitarist’s leadership.

The opening track, Making the World Disappear, tells the story of empty streets during the lockdown period. This track captures the eery but contemplative, calm and still atmosphere which settled as the world quietened and everything seemed to slow.

Perhaps the most interesting track on the album is Control the Weather. Edgy and honest, it offers a political statement, a criticism even, at a time when there are questions to be answered. With extracts from a speech about governments and political systems, interspersed between fluid guitar grooves, and striking piano chords, there is a sense of urgency and tension absent from the rest of the album. Passages of purposeful discord and disharmony offer a gripping listen.

The general mood on First Quartet, however, feels extremely melodic and tranquil, an atmosphere particularly obvious on the final track First Day as the group take an optimistic look to a new future. A highlight throughout is Kitchman’s unquestionable guitaring ability which breaths a unique and authentic sense of character into it all. 

Watch a clip of the band playing First Day at the London Jazz Festival here:

Review: Elana Shapiro

Read 922 times Last modified on Sunday, 19 June 2022 09:25

Our Contributors

image

Rob Mallows

London Jazz Meetup owner and fan of ‘plugged in’ jazz.
 
image

Simon Cooney

By day a full time Londoner in tv news. By night jazzaholic
 
image

Fernando Rose

I love my jazz and I bless the funk. I play percussion for all and sundry and go by @Mr Cool.
 
image

Grae Shennan

Laboratory scientist with a love of evolving music that defies boundaries. 
 
image

Hilary Robertson

Jazz-obsessed freelance writer and saxist.
 
image

Kim Cypher

Saxophonist, vocalist, composer, band leader and radio show presenter. Follows dreams and loves to celebrate great music and musicians.
 
image

Fiona Ross

Fiona is the founder of the award winning organisation Women in Jazz Media. She was the guest editor in chief for the 2020 edition of Jazz Quarterly and writes for many publications across the globe.
 
image

Wendy Kirkland

Jazz pianist and singer with wide musical tastes spanning latin through fusion to bebop and swing. Cat fanatic.
 
image

Elana Shapiro

From Manchester, currently living in Berlin. Lover of jazz, RnB, and soul inspired music.