Robin Katz reveals new record Hypnos, inspired by "a life spent listening to Django Reinhardt and Philip Glass"

2 days ago 6

Due 29 May on London analogue specialist label Gearbox — home to releases from Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Elliot Galvin and Chihei Hatakeyama & Shun Ishiwaka among others — the album marks a shift in Katz's sound, with the guitarist pairing his signature nylon-string guitar work with Hammond organ for the first time, an instrument that Katz says evokes the "gospel and the classic organ trios of Wes Montgomery".

The new record grew out of a set of études originally written for solo guitar. "With Hypnos, I wanted to create something pared back and super simple," Katz explains. "These pieces... reflect the wide range of influences found in the music I love to listen to. A life spent listening to Django Reinhardt and Philip Glass!"

The decision to bring in Hammond organ was, by his own account, driven by a desire for an unusual combination. "The inclusion of the Hammond organ came from a desire to pair the nylon-string guitar with an instrument you don't usually hear alongside it," he says. "It was a real blessing to have Nathaniel Ledwidge play Hammond on the record and to showcase the softer side of this iconic instrument."

The album's title nods to Greek mythology: Hypnos is the god of sleep and father of Morpheus, the god of dreams. Katz leans into that framing without apology. "Is the music dreamy and hypnotic, a brief slumberous escape from the madness out there?" asks Katz. "I hope so."