Kurtis Li, the guitarist-composer with London roots and Hong Kong wings, is nothing short of a delight. Playful, catchy, and with a flamenco-flavoured tinge, his music is an effortless joy that grabbed us from the first note. He’s all set to unveil his debut album, “In Bloom,” a creation born from his move to Spain for studies at Valencia’s illustrious Berklee campus. The record, released through Bridge The Gap, showcases some of Spain’s most renowned jazz musicians, including the likes of Perico Sambeat and Albert Sanz.

His flawless seven-track project is like a breath of fresh air, brimming with vibrant energy. Drawing from diverse influences, it artfully intertwines the adventurous spirit of Hermeto Pascoal, the lush melodies of Tom Jobim, and the intricate harmonies of Toninho Horta. It also channels the innovative prowess of Pat Metheny’s guitar work, the compelling jazz narratives of Wayne Shorter, and the poetic lyricism of Alberto Spinetta. On ‘In Bloom, ‘ Kurtis has created a rich, immersive, familiar and strikingly original listen.

On the album, Kurtis shares: “Music is a path towards appreciating the world’s beauty and communicating emotions beyond words. Being a musician is a lifelong journey with moments of solitude and self-doubt. Yet, my curiosity for music motivates me to keep developing my inner musical world. The process and its results have been full of surprises, like a blooming flower. This album felt like an intimate diary, and I am proud and satisfied with the results. I remember vividly all the times and places that gave rise to every ounce of inspiration in these compositions. I wish you can feel the pure emotions and love that may encourage you to make your own music.”

We’re thrilled to share Kurtis’ superb playlist, a kaleidoscope of his eclectic influences. Unconfined by any genre, it’s the musical gift that keeps on giving.

Doralice

This is actually the first jazz album I heard and fell in love! I was like 15 years old at that time and I didn’t even know the term “bossa nova”. I loved this beautiful song in particular, and I keep listening in repeat! I guess it explains why later I got so much into Brazilian music.

 

My Song

My friend showed me this recording when I was starting jazz, and it completely blew my mind because the music is so lyrical and so different from the traditional jazz, and this started my love for Keith Jarrett and ECM Records! Not only this song but the whole album is so beautiful and perfect in my opinion, so this has always been a reference for how my album will sound like.

 

You’re Everything

This is my favourite Chick Corea tune and I was really young when I heard it. I didn’t even know it is a samba groove but it just felt so good to me. The whole song is very accessible and easy listening, almost like a pop song but with sophisticated harmony, and I guess this also inspired me to compose with this effect.

 

Juju

Wayne Shorter is probably every modern jazz musicians’ favourite, this album and this composition is particularly important to me. It has such impressionistic harmony that opened up many doors for modern jazz compositions and was definitely an eye opening experience listening to it for the first time.

 

Quiero

Albert is my professor in Berklee Valencia while I was studying there. I admire his music and always feel connected to his way of composition. It is full of emotions. I got a lot of inspirations from him and this is definitely my favourite song from him.

 

Watercolour 

I like Pat Metheny a lot and many people said to me that my improvisation and compositions have a strong influence from him. I guess that is true. I like how he is always absorbing from different music culture and form his own sound. This piece is my favourite, I really like his early records. It almost sound like a rock band because it was completely different from other music from that period and it still felt very fresh after almost 50 years since it’s released.

 

Paseo

Aca Seca Trio is one of my favourite groups and inspired me so much. All their songs are very beautiful and fresh. They were trying to incorporate Argentinian rhythms to a modern jazzy sound. I had no idea about Argentinian folklore music and it inspired me to check out as I only knew stuff about Brazil and Cuba. Later it just inspired me to check out more from other parts of Latin America, like Peru and Venezuela.

 

Catavento a Girasol

I love Guinga so much and all his compositions. The harmony is always so interesting and I can feel the strong emotions even I don’t always understand the lyrics completely. The music is always beautifully arranged and orchestrated which inspired me to do the same in the album.

 

Solo Quiero Caminar

Paco de Lucia is such a big inspiration and a creative artist. This is probably my favourite, sounds so modern especially with the electric bass while so informed with the traditions. I love the sound of flamenco a lot, although the influence to me might not be obvious, I learned so much such as the expressiveness in music.

 

El Solar de la California

I didn’t know Issac Delgado until my Cuban professor in Berklee Valencia showed me. I fell in love right away and kept the album playing in repeat almost for few months. I love this song in particular, such a strong melody. I guess it is also my goal in compositions. A really strong and beautiful melody that captivates people.

 

The Stone Skipper

This is definitely one of my favourite modern jazz albums. Shai was using so many unconventional grooves and it inspired me a lot. The album also has a strong story telling element and I can tell the song list was arranged thoughtfully, so it became a reference when I made my first album.

 

Choro Bandido

Chico Buarque is definitely my top 3 composers. I felt like many of my compositions I was just trying to sound like him! Always full of emotions and strong melody that transcends language barrier. 

 

G Waltz

Bill Evans was my favourite when I was learning jazz. I listened to his records so much and when I was trying to compose in the beginner, I kept writing waltz because he played so many beautiful jazz waltz!

 

Heavenly Bodies 

Kurt Rosenwinkel is definitely one of the most important modern jazz composers, and as a guitarist of course I am very influenced by his playing. I love this song in particular, it has such a vibe and beautiful melody.

 

September fifteenth 

Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays are definitely strong influences to me. I love this piece the moment I heard it. Such beautiful arrangement and composition, and Pat’s nylon guitar sounded so beautiful here, it definitely inspired me to use more nylon guitar in my originals.

 

7 Aneis 

Egberto Gismonti is also one of my favourite composers. When I heard this song, I touched me so deeply and I resonated with his way of composition so much! The use of cello is so nice! I guess it also inspired me to use cello in “New Moon”, the first track of my album.