Local jazzman for Mercury shortlist

Kit Downes represents Norwich jazz at the Mercury Music prize nominations

Tuesday 27th July 2010

It isn't often that the world of upcoming jazz is represented at high-profile awards ceremonies, but 2010 may be the year for one Kit Downes and his trio.  

The pianist, formerly of Norwich School, has been nominated for this years' Mercury Music Prize, on a shortlist that includes acts such as Dizzee Rascal, Paul Weller, and The XX.  

Alongside offerings from these high-calibre pop acts, the Kit Downes Trios' acoustic jazz album, Golden, has earned an unexpected place in the competition.  Downes, who studied the organ at St. Peter Mancroft, said of the nomination:

"It's amazing.  It's our first album, so everything's still a work in progress, but it's a big surprise and very nice".

Downes is no stranger to prestigious accolades, however.  The winner of the Rising Star at the BBC Jazz Awards in 2008, his burgeoning career has been the subject of much attention in the jazz world over the past few years.

A previous outfit, Empirical, recorded their eponymous debut with Courtney Pine at his Destin-e Records - the album was later named Jazzwise album of the year and jazz album of the year by Mojo magazine.

Despite moving in such lofty circles, it's Norwich that Kit Downes says he will always return to.  A Norwich Arts Centre gig is planned to take place soon after the awards ceremony is over.

"I love playing in Norwich. There are some lovely venues, like the King of Hearts, The Playhouse and John Innes.  It's nice to come back to what still feels my base and I also write so much better when I'm at home," he said.

"Norwich is just very comfortable”.

 

 

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