Pianist Kit Downes is set to receive the Paul Acket Award at NN North Sea Jazz this year for his extraordinary musical capability. It’s a prize he’s entitled to for perseverance alone, because when he injured his left hand in 2017, he still managed to compose 52 piano pieces that he was able to perform using just his right hand. Downes is coming to celebrate his award this year with a show by his trio ENEMY. Together with bassist Petter Eldh and drummer James Maddren, Downes performs complex compositions that are both intense and free-flowing. Live, the three musicians like to explore cryptic rhythms in which they constantly chase each other down pathways unknown, but are equally able to surprise audiences with a traditional melody. Their third and latest (live) album, Reflex: Dr. Snap, was released earlier this year, recorded following an invitation by the famous Dutch jazz venue Bimhuis. The assignment was to compose new work that reflects the current zeitgeist, and the latter is precisely what Enemy are all about.
