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 Böhm and Géraud 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. The album tells a compelling story of both passion for, and commitment to, the rich history of the music, whilst maintaining an open accessibility that reaches out towards the wider listening public.

 

The album opens with ‘Namesake’, written by the effortlessly virtuosic, young alto saxophonist Sean Payne, who Kai describes as his “closest friend, both musically and personally.” The track balances a complex theme, hard swinging blowing from Rainer and a spontaneous duet between the composer’s sax and the leader’s tumultuous drums. By contrast, the poised and carefully plotted arrangement of Wayne Shorter’s ‘When You Dream’ follows, delivering all the engaging accessibility of the master’s neglected 80s catalogue. Bassist, Géraud Portal provides the improvised introduction to the trio version of Fred Hersch’s ‘Phantom Of The Bopera’, that leads into a bracingly creative slice of swinging modal jazz. “Géraud is ever curious, so experienced and yet brings such humility to the group… So inspiring coming from someone who’s like an older brother to me. The beat is always there!” ‘Dry Stone’ pays homage to the European tradition of John Taylor and Martin France, exploring the adventurous possibilities of free rhythm while maintaining a consistent melodic appeal.

The American accent returns for ‘Midnight Silence’, written by Kenny Kirkland and arranged especially for this project by Sean Payne. The track allows Copus to shine and Kai to channel his love for Elvin Jones on this late-night vibe. Next comes the late 60s Blue Note flavour of ‘Dealin’, Kai’s own composition. A medium-up tempo cooker, “for Roy Hargrove. That’s the tempo where Hutch and Kenny Washington really bump!”. ‘The Chieftain’ is a deep and emotive drum solo improvised for Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts. “I wanted to give thanks to Tain, a guiding figure in my development and one of my biggest inspirations”. The solo interlude sets up a stunning reading of Michael Brecker’s ‘Lunations’, capturing the feel of the blues over an odd-meter New Orleans-style groove. Originally penned for Brecker’s late ‘90s album Time Is Of The Essence, but never commercially released, Craig and Payne wanted to pay tribute to one of their biggest inspirations by recording a fresh take of the song. Finally, ‘Afterthought’ is an improvised, scintillating duet between alto and drums that seals the deal, giving a final nod to Jack DeJohnette. “Each song was chosen to honour the drummers and musicians that shaped me into the person I am today.”

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.

Kai says, “Music is the soundtrack to everybody’s life. I wanted to create something that is quintessentially a jazz record, with the accessibility of a record that might come from a more mainstream genre. I hope this music can uplift and provide a heartfelt listening experience for everyone, with each song having a vastly different emotional impact within the overall journey.”