If you're looking for a jam band that pushes boundaries, defies expectations, and takes you on a sonic adventure, look no further than Gitkin. Open your ears, prepare to groove, and lose yourself in the world Brian J has created. You might just discover your new favorite musical obsession.
Gitkin’s music is a juxtaposition of gut-bucket blues & funk - is largely wordless, emotionally evocative & guitar driven…
Gitkin, the alias of multi-instrumentalist Brian J, isn't your typical jamband. Sure, there's improvisation, extended jams, and a focus on instrumental exploration. But Gitkin's sound transcends genres, weaving a tapestry of influences that stretch across continents and timelines. From dusty blues to exotic scales, psychedelic grooves to dubby soundscapes, Gitkin takes you on a sonic journey unlike any other.
Genre
Blues / Jamband
Styles
"A juxtaposition of gut-bucket blues and funk low-end with unexpectedly twisting lead phrases that highlight the intense flavors found in each savory ingredient."
Website
YouTube
About the Band
After a long and fruitful run as a bandleader with relentlessly touring party-rockers
Pimps Of Joytime and a Grammy-nominated country blues collaboration with
Cedric Burnside, multi-instrumentalist Brian J set out to “explore tonalities I’d
never messed with,” as he puts it.
Beyond Band, Beyond Label:
Gitkin isn't just a band; it's a project, a vehicle for Brian J's musical exploration. He collaborates with various musicians, blurring the lines between genres and creating a truly unique sonic experience.
Gitkin truly comes alive onstage. His performances are captivating, marked by infectious energy and playful exploration. Each show is a unique experience, with extended jams that take the audience on a collective journey. Check out live videos like "Grand Street Feast Live at GB's Juke Joint Studios" to get a taste of the magic.
Albums
Gitkin's latest release, Nowhere To Go But Everywhere, is sure to become the soundtrack to your wanderlust. With elements of Peruvian chicha,Saharan tuareg, Cuban son montuno, and psych-rock, Gitkindraws from styles around the world but manages to create his own authentic essence.With over 10 million total streams and 50,000 followers across all socials, it is clear thatGitkin’s artistic voice is resonating with fans.
Five Star Motel (2018): An earthy, groove-driven debut showcasing his signature sound.
Safe Passage (2020): Expands his palette with exotic influences and guest vocalists,adding a rich tapestry of textures.
Reviews of Gitkin’s first two LP’s grappled with descriptors, tagging it vaguely as
“cinematic” and comparing it favorably with Khruangbin. True, the music is largely
wordless, emotionally evocative, and guitar driven. But it possesses an alluring
alchemy all its own.
Gitkin’s first release, 2018’s well-received Five Star Motel, amply demonstrated
his ease with earthy funk and comfortably-cut rhythm. On his follow up album, Safe Passage, the itinerant guitar slinger broadened his already rich palette with melodies informed by Greek and Middle Eastern modalities, Peruvian
Chicha and Tuareg Saharan guitar styles.
“Though I try to think as little as possible when I’m creating, I was reflecting on a particular phase of my life in my early 20s. I was hitchhiking around the country, meditating, generally seeking adventure and something sacred. Somehow the essence of that journey crept into the record. Nowhere To Go But Everywhere is a quote from Jack Kerouac’s On The Road that fits the wanderlust spirit of the music.” - Gitkin
Listen
Watch
Further Exploration
Soundscapes & Stewpots:
His music simmers with the flavor of various influences. Here's a taste:
Earthy Funk: Think Khruangbin meets Booker T. & the M.G.'s with a dash of New Orleans funk, evident in tracks like "Fools Gold" and "Tail Chaser."
Global Grooves: Greek and Middle Eastern melodies infuse his compositions, adding an exotic flair heard in "De La" and "Cat Nip."
Latin Rhythms: Cumbia and bossa nova influences peek through in songs like "Spug Life" and "Nosotros También," making you want to move your feet.
Psychedelic Twists: Hints of swirling psychedelia color his jams, adding a touch of the unexpected, as in "Whaya" and "Fang Dubbard."