At home with... jazz star Kit Downes

Kemala work desk at Lombok with Kit Downes
Kit's music room is a minimalist space made for creative action
© Lombok

Pianist and composer Kit Downes is the jazz world's newest and brightest star. He talks to mydeco about his music–filled home, the piano he can't be without and why he loves living in Brixton.

I live... in an old house in Brixton, South London. The house has lots of character and I love the mix of people and cultures the area has, and the live music that's always going on. Brixton seems to be one of the few places in London that has managed to keep some of its identity.

My house is... full of musicians! We share the house but it's big enough for us each to play music all day without annoying one another.

My most treasured possession is... my Rogers Ungelblut Uuright piano. It's about a hundred years old, has a beautiful rose–wood finish and a lovely action that often only comes from older pianos that have been played a lot but taken good care of. Some upright pianos are really good finds. There is no rhyme or reason behind it – some are just really special.

If my house was burning down, I would grab... my phone, my guitar, some photos, some music and a cuddly toy. Don't ask me to choose between them though – only the threat of a real fire could make me do that!

Kit has a soft spot for clocks
© Next

A home is... not made by the things you put in it, but the feeling you have when you return to it. Some people feel like they have many homes, others feel homesick in their own house, so I can't accept that it's just about what's inside.

My favourite home pieces are... clocks and really nice tables.

I'd love to own... my own house or an island! Other than that I'd like a telescope and a loft to use it in.

Jazz and style... are both intuitive. I try not to think consciously about either, so I hope my house has the same natural feel as my jazz.

My music room is... minimal in style, with magnolia walls, one huge window, wooden floorboards and my piano. It's pretty messy but is full of instruments, which is the important thing. It's definitely not a room to look at, it's a room to do things in.

I compose and practise... anywhere I can, although I really like doing both at my parents' house in Norwich. I get to use the piano I grew up playing and in a very comfortable environment. The room has wooden floorboards, lots of bookcases with sheet music and a nice old wooden desk by the window. I've have written several pieces about the feeling I get when I'm there, one of which is called 'homely'.

When I was little... my mum bought me an Oscar Peterson CD, 'Night Train', for my birthday. I was about thirteen and I didn't stop listening to it until my next birthday when I received Keith Jarrett's 'Köln Concert'. I still listen to both a lot – they played a big part in my becoming a jazz composer and pianist.

The greatest thing in my life is... being among the people I love and the music I love. But I try not to think about it too much because it stops me enjoying it.

I'm inspired by... people that believe in and care about what they are doing.

Pride is... a bit of a funny word – I prefer 'happy'. I am happy with the album I've just recorded, I am happy to play with the bands I play with, and I am happy to have such loving family and friends.

History's most stylish musician was... Thelonius Monk. He had great style because he was unique. His personal and musical style was completely his own, without compromise – that's what style is, right?

Check out Kit's top ten favourite products, here.