For Kai Craig, music is a pathway reaching deep into the past and far
into the future, spanning generations and international boundaries
with ease. The young drummer/composer has already dived deep
into the jazz tradition, assisted by the mentorship of Martin France
in his native UK and US legend Gregory 'Hutch' Hutchinson in Europe
and the USA. Now he's ready to present his debut album, produced
by Hutch in a Cologne studio and featuring some of the most
extraordinary young talents of his generation.
'A Time Once Forgotten' is both a summary of everything that's
brought Kai to this point, and a statement of intent for the future. The
hand-picked band of Sean Payne and James Copus in the frontline
and Rainer Bohm and Geraud Portal in the rhythm section are the
perfect interpreters of Craig's vision. Each musician is a stand-out
soloist, but together they are consummate team players. Original
compositions take their place side by side with masterworks by
Wayne Shorter, Fred Hersch, Kenny Kirkland, John Taylor and
Michael Brecker.
'A Time Once Forgotten' is an acknowledgement and a summation
of everything that has led Kai Craig to where he is today. It's steeped
in his love of the adventurous, hard-edged swinging tradition of
American post-bop that flourished in the 1980s and 1990s, but
interpreted through the prism of his own unique personality, and that
of his outstanding co-creators. The combination makes for an
explosive, unforgettable debut.
A1. Namesake A2. When You Dream A3. Phantom of the Bopera A4. Dry Stone B1. Midnight Silence B2. Dealin' B3. The Chieftain B4. Lunations B5. Afterthought
