No One’s an Island
Kit Downes - piano.
Emi Makabe - vocal, shamisen.
Thomas Morgan - bass
No One's an Island is a mesmerizing collaboration that brings together the talents of three exceptional musicians and composers. Accomplished and richly nuanced pianist Kit Downes, captivating vocalist and shamisen player Emi Makabe, and the renowned bassist Thomas Morgan seamlessly fuse their distinct styles, narratives, and melodies into a harmonious tapestry of music. This ensemble masterfully intertwines contemporary jazz elements with the rich tones of traditional Japanese folk, resulting in a truly extraordinary blend of cultural influences and sonic textures.
No One’s an Island have performed and workshoped in England in 2022, and Japan in 2023.
REVIEW IN ‘JAZZ LIFE’, baroom Tokyo, DECEMBER 2023:
“the ensemble lulls you into a state of complete ecstasy”
“a number of top musicians can be seen, making it clear NOAI is attracting a lot of attention..”
No Ones’s an Island at 100 Ban Jazz Club, Kobe, Japan Nov.,2023
Japan 2023 - in collaboration with, and special thanks to:
Kit Downes: “One of the finest pianists of his generation” – Jazzwise
Emi Makabe: “rapturous, adventurous Japanese folk-influenced jazz” - New York Music Daily
Thomas Morgan: “the double bassist who combines Gary Peacock’s ardent fluidity with Charlie Haden’s deep soul, suffused with a pensive quality that is all his own” –-thebluemoment.com