KIM Trio

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Following their 2018 debut ‘Moon Palace’,
multi-award winning Scottish saxophonist Helena
Kay proudly presents KIM Trio’s ‘Golden Sands’
(October 7th on Sulis Records) a musical reflection
inspired by their formative years on New York and
London’s vibrant jazz scene.
Raised in Perth (Scotland) Kay’s primary
inspiration lies in the sounds being produced
around them by their peers and heroes.
Made up entirely of original compositions, many of
which were composed during their stay in New
York, ‘Golden Sands’ brings together the lush
harmony and contemporary grooves of British
Jazz with the attitude, grit and tradition of the
American sound.


“I wrote ‘Tuesday Club’ for my friends John and Amy – we would go to the Village
Vanguard every Tuesday and hang out with the musicians after the gig… It was so special
being in that venue, where so many great musicians have performed before, and where
innovations are still being made in the music now.”
– Helena Kay


From the first track, Amor y Amargo, Kay demonstrates their love for the melodic, song-based
tradition of jazz’s roots with a composition that could be mistaken for a standard if it weren’t for
moments of undeniably modern harmony. Xian Impressions then surprises the listener with an
energetic, drum’n’bass inspired groove and an aggressive, angular melody.


In this way, Kay and their trio steer their audience through their cultural influences with
musical nods to the past, present and future. Feeling that their recent writing employed
denser harmony and required the support of a chordal instrument, Kay extended the
otherwise chord-less KIM trio with friend and previous collaborator, pianist Peter Johnstone.
The resulting ensemble, composed of some of London’s most in-demand musicians, weave
through changes in feel, energy, dynamic and texture with ease and fluidity.

Helena Kay | tenor saxophone Calum Gourlay | double bass
David Ingamells | drums Peter Johnstone | piano

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Tracklist

01. L and D (Kay) – 7:11
02. Feijao (Kay) – 8:40
03. Kim (Parker) – 2:35
04. Strawberry Terrace (Kay) – 4:57
05. Perry St (Kay) – 4:52
06. Moon Palace (Kay) – 6:37
07. Stardust (Carmichael) – 3:36

Personnel

Helena Kay – tenor saxophone
Ferg Ireland – double bass
David Ingamells – drums

Press

Kay and her trio confirmed both their understated group virtuosity and command of narrative drive.’ 

Mike Hobart, Financial Times


[Moon Palace] is a highly accomplished debut by a young player with a distinctive personality; her playing is very much respectful of the tradition but the compositions have a sense of playfulness that shows she’s not in thrall to its monumental weight.’ 

Eddie Myer, Jazz Views


rich, balmy, Parker-esque tones… Kay puts a bow on this intriguing debut with a touching solo take on the standard Stardust’ 

Andy Cowan, Mojo