Danish guitarist, composer and bandleader, Kristian Borring, has been described as a “guitarist of enormous technical ability who utilizes his considerable gifts thoughtfully and tastefully, a highly accomplished guitarist and composer.” – The Jazz Mann
Based in London, Kristian’s second album as a bandleader “Urban Novel” (released June 2014) draws inspiration from the cityscape and is a personal homage to life in a metropolis. The album, released on Jellymould Jazz, features Arthur Lea (p), Mick Coady (b) and Jon Scott (d). Vibraphonist Jim Hart, was also invited to join in the creation of a rich sound palette consisting of guitar, piano and vibes. The music on “Urban Novel” with its strong sense of melody set in a contemporary ‘sound-scape’, has been described as being “clean, cool, precise and contemporary” – (The Scotsman). Jazzwise reviewer Selwyn Harris said, “Borring’s set of originals are engaging and their subtle rhythmic and harmonic twists add to the interest”. Commenting on Kristian’s continuous ability as strong melodic player, All About Jazz ‘s Bruce Lindsey described Kristian’s playing as a “warm, open tone – a welcoming sound that draws and holds the attention”. Lance Liddle from Bebop Spoken Here added “one of the finest, most tasteful and accomplished guitarists on the scene, with Jim Hart – one of the world’s great vibraphonists – in the mix, the result is another triumph for the Danish guitarist and his team.”
Following its release the album has received noticeable reviews from amongst others Jazzwise, All About Jazz and The Scotsman. The group toured the UK successfully with support from the Arts Council and they are currently planning follow up dates in 2015.
Kristian’s debut album, Nausicaa – a reference to Odysseus’ journey in Homer’s “The Odyssey” – was released in 2011 on Italian label, Ultra Sound Records, and featured New York based alto saxophonist, Will Vinson. It received wide spread national acclaim and was described by John Fordham (The Guardian) as a “hyper-cool and low-key approach to jazz guitar, but…with warmth, confidence and a rhythmic hipness that’s thoroughly contemporary”. Chris Parker from LondonJazz found Kristian’s original compositions “immediately attractive and enduringly impressive”.
Kristian has in recent years worked and performed in the UK and Europe with a great variety of groups and performers such as: Archie Shepp, Antonio Zambrini, Tommaso Starace, Laurence Cottle, Liam Noble Trio, Karen David, Will Vinson, Gareth Lockrane, Nia Lynn, Monika Lidke, Ray Quinn, Bryan Abraham, Christine Tobin, Bruno Heinen, The Puppini Sisters, Ed Puddick’s Big Band, Mike Garrick, Jim Hart, Ivo Neame, Lars Dietrich, Andreas Pichler, Jasper Høiby and many more. Kristian is also associated with the progressive London based jazz collective ‘SE Collective’ through his work with the bands Acrobat and Draw By Four.
Kristian studied jazz guitar at Conservatorium Van Amsterdam in The Netherlands and Guildhall School of Music in London.
More PRESS QUOTES:
“This is a guitarist who eschews histrionics, Borring’s is an understated virtuosity and he favors a pure, clean sound.” – The Jazz Mann
“His guitar work, like the overall feel of the music, is clean, cool, precise and contemporary.” – The Scotsman
“A good set of well played compositions with a band exercising a strong sense of control and empathy”…“gentle sophistication”… – BBC Radio 3
“As the album title implies, Urban Novel is a musical tale of life in the metropolis. Cool and laid back, fast and frantic, tender and reflective, sad and joyous – big city life as we know it whether as commuters, strangers or residents.” – Bebop Spoken Here
“The tunes though complex knit well together and there is a convincing clarity to the improvising thought processes at work that represents a strong statement of intent from an artist we’ll be hearing a lot more from with any luck in the future.” – Marlbank
“(Jim) Hart shares Borring’s warmth and fluidity of expression, creating a rewarding partnership.” – All About Jazz
“Soothing, ringing tone”… – Jazzwise
“Although unfailingly melodic this is also highly sophisticated music that is well served by Borring’s undemonstrative approach.” – The Jazz Mann
– “A melodic, precise player with a rounded, open tone. Nausicaa [is] an assured and confident debut, demonstrating Borring’s talents as a composer and player. There are some complex time signatures on display, but they’re never overdone and the music remains accessible from the get-go. [An] impressive first release.” – All About Jazz
– “[Kristian] has such a clean and distinctive style and is obviously a great listener. Nausicaa has to be on top of every jazz guitar lovers shopping list, a great CD.” – UK Radio Jazz
– “Borring is an accomplished but determinedly unflashy player, firmly rooted in the jazz tradition of his instrument.” – LondonJazz
– “Borring not only favours a fleet-fingered, hip swinging, soul-bop but draws as well from the subtle, gentle lyricism of guitarists such as John Abercrombie and Pat Metheny… there is an engaging brightness to [his] sound.” – Jazzwise
