"Pots & Pans"THE SONGS
The first four tracks on the album are called "Groovements." The title is a play on the word movements and the idea was derived from poetry's ability to set a tone in only a few words. These concise melodies are a prelude to the album.- The first groovement, "Call," is like a pre-dawn call with the drums that welcomes the coming of the new day.
- "Premier Jour" depicts the start of the new day looking for calm and peace.
- The third groovement, "a Camelot," is reminiscent of a place of romance with passion and fervor.
- The fourth groovement, "Prelude (Fuyu Hanabi)," leads the listener into the first full song, "Fuyu Hanabi." It is a brief homage to Rachmaninoff's "Preludes" that was introduced to Billy by his wife.
"Fuyu Hanabi" is a reflection of the Holiday season in Hokkaido, Japan. During the winter they have a display of fireworks just like our 4th July celebration. The inception for the song is inspired by the group Weather Report, the Jaco Years.
"Rabbit Kat" is dedicated to the scary beast Billy encountered while taking a short break when writing this tune. Following a discussion with his wife about this particular strange animal, he heard on the local radio that there was a breed of Rabbit/Cat and beware if you encounter them--hence the title.
"Bibo no Aozora" is a cover piece. The translation of the title is "The Beautiful Face of Blue Sky." Billy had the honor earlier this year to record this with some of his favorite colleagues. Fortunately, they decided not to release it, and he arranged his version of this beautiful piece by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
"Guardian Soul" is an African proverb. This four minute mallet solo is a reflection of Billy's soul tightly connected with his mother. This proverb says that though she's far away, deep in my soul she's forever close.
"Aye" is a lamenting piece by Kenny Davis. The original title was "Forever." But as they began mixing, Billy was reminded of the meaning of "forever eternal love" (Aye). The derivation of "I love you forever" came from around 15th - 16th centuries. They used say "I love you for aye" and "aye" meant eternally. Billy explains, "When tracking this song I felt the same spiritual connect as I did when performing on "Guardian Soul." Right away I knew this was representing KD's eternal love for his son."
"Ji Ji" is a nickname for Grandfather in Japanese. This is dedicated to Billy's son and his grandfather.
"Leftside" is a continued dedication to Billy's son's grandfather. Its inspiration came from the first time Billy and his wife brought their son to meet his grandparents in Japan. The grandfather was so overwhelmed with the meeting that he drove, for the first time in his life, on the right side of the street when we were leaving the airport. In Japan they drive on the leftside. Everyone was in the car yelling "Leftside! Leftside!"
"Indiescission" is probably the best representation of the melting pot of influences in BKGroove. Mike Sim's fondness for metal and Billy's fondness for fusion (such as Tony Williams' Lifetime) and metal is covered in this piece. The title is a play on the word "indecision." Are we performing Jazz or Metal Rock? This is truly a nostalgic fusion piece.
"Darkness Rising" is a piece that represents the title respectfully. George Colligan wrote a mean composition that fuses my works with Dave Holland and a bit of quasi funk. It was mad fun performing this!
"nuevo dingwalls" is a reprise of the original piece Billy wrote on his previous CD "While Ur Sleepin'." Billy wrote this tune while performing with Bob James in London. Dingwalls was a famous comedy spot there. Its evolution has elements of his works with the Dave Holland Quintet. It's one for the drummers!
QUOTES
"Kilson's solos are almost always the highlight of Botti's shows…But this [BK Groove] ain't pretty-boy jazz your grandma smiles to."
--Jazz Times
"Rhythmically influenced by rock styles, these musicians have just as much chops-on display at every opportunity - as the most 'sophisticated' jazzers…BK's groove is one that will grab hold of you, no matter what your musical inclinations. BK's groove is big, loud, and - more impressively - compelling. This style of music has been performed by some phenomenal musicians in the past. While the exploration never ends…the explorers have to make new discoveries. No one wants to see the same old fossils dug up. Pots and Pans explores familiar territory with a fresh approach and incomparable musicality. Fans of fusion should definitely discover Billy Kilson's BK Groove."
--Jazz Improv
"This piece is a great jazz/rock fusion piece that demonstrates the versatility of the group and their ability to explode in an array of awesome rock-inspired notes and progressive jazz elements."
--All About Jazz
"On 'Pots & Pans,' drummist Billy Kilson soulfully expresses with grace, validity, and intellect on why it's imperative to have a diverse palette and be a willing participant to venture beyond the norm in today's market place to garner attention to one's music…Billy Kilson is the absolute real deal"
--Contemporary Jazz.com
"Billy Kilson is one of the world's elite drummers and his newest CD 'POTS & PANS' showcases his talent with a bold and dynamic statement. Billy has many strengths and on this recording his use of dynamics and ability to lay down that mighty groove exceed expectations."
--Jazz Rock World
"POTS & PANS is a highly inspired recording from one of jazz's greatest drummers, Billy Kilson."
--Sounds of Timeless Jazz
"…every track showcases his creativity and musical palette … not only as world class drummer, but also a composer and producer…I highly recommend this album to all drummers, regardless of their personal music genre preferences. I found the entire album to be well produced and a sonic pleasure to listen to … again, and again, and again."
--Drummer Café
"Overall, this is an incredibly strong album that delivers the high-caliber music expected from an artist with the reputation that Kilson has. This release is a can't miss for fans eagerly anticipating fresh music in the tradition of the artists that founded jazz as we know it."