Gitkin
By Kit Macdonald
Gitkin is the instrumental project of New York guitarist and producer Brian J, who until now has been best known as a member of the soul revival group The Pimps of Joytime. Under the Gitkin name, he explores a richly cinematic blend of psychedelic cumbia, desert blues, surf rock and vintage funk, drawing inspiration from Latin American, African and Middle Eastern rhythms without sounding like a museum-piece fusion exercise. His records feel warm, dusty and transportive and are built around hypnotic guitar lines, analogue textures and grooves that unfold patiently rather than rushing for impact.
Brian J has been called the “cowboy of international funk” or simply “the professor of groove”, and listening to albums such as Golden Age and Safe Passage, it's hard to disagree. At this show he will present and launch his new album Where The South Winds Wail, which will be released the day after the show. Opening will be Killing Pizarro, a contemporary cumbia project born and based in Barcelona but driven by Latin American musicians. Doors at 8pm and tickets via Dice.