Kit Downes winner of the Paul Acket Award 2024
British musician Kit Downes (1986) plays piano, (church) organ, and harmonium. He was born in Norwich, UK, where he as a child was a chorister in Norwich Cathedral. Here he was introduced to his first instrument, the church organ, by which he was so enamored, he became an organ scholar at St. Peter Mancroft. He later went on to study piano, organ and composition at the Purcell School of Music, followed by the Royal Academy of Music, where he ultimately received an Associate and Fellow and now teaches himself.
Downes’ music prides itself on being expressive, complex and spontaneous. He has toured the world performing solo organ concerts at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, but he is also known to play with many renowned artists, such as Django Bates.
His discography consists of both collaborations and solo works. His latest album, The Betrayal (2023), was recorded with his band ENEMY, featuring bassist Petter Eldh and drummer James Maddren. Additionally, he has written commissions for London Contemporary Orchestra, the Scottish Ensemble and Cologne Philharmonie, amongst others. Moreover, in 2017 he wrote 52 piano pieces for right-hand only following a left-hand injury, writing one piece for each day of his recovery.
“Across various artistic contexts, Kit Downes is a brilliant artist, composer and improviser at the heart of instrumental and musical innovation.”,said jury member Raluca Baicu, artistic curator & programmer North Sea Round Town and music programmer BIRD & de Doelen. “As an organist, pianist, and composer, Downes skilfully reimagines his instruments, revealing a new landscape of ever-evolving sonic aesthetics. His work strikes a harmonious balance between melodic intricacies, subtle sensibilities, textural compositions, and finest improvisations, offering an honest testament to the brilliance of an outstanding artist.”
The other jurers this year were Annamaija Saarela (G Livelab, Finland), Jermaine Kanbier (Bimhuis, the Netherlands), Roel Vanhoeck (Bozar, België) and Sunny Sumter (DC Jazz Festival, USA). The jury nominated 21 musicians. Members of Europe Jazz Network (EJN) were then asked to vote for the names on the shortlist.
The Paul Acket Award “Artist Deserving Wider Recognition” is named after the founder of North Sea Jazz and aimed to showcase exceptional jazz musicians who deserve greater recognition and a wider audience for their work. Previous winners include Eve Risser (2023), Kris Davis (2022), Julian Lage (2019), Kaja Draksler (2018) and Donny McCaslin (2017).
Kit Downes will receive the award at the festival where he will perform with ENEMY on Saturday 13 July.
