Tom Kitching ‘Where There’s Brass’

Author and musician Tom Kitching launches his new book and album, ‘Where There’s Brass’, with a special storytelling and music concert tour.Documenting six months living in the London waterways community, making the long journey across England from Manchester on a traditional narrowboat built in 1937, ‘Where There’s Brass’ tells the story of the contemporary Londonwaterways; a floating slum at worst, a bohemian, alternative, vibrant community at best.

It is a love letter to the waterways, and a rallying cry for what they can be in the future.

Stories old and new interwoven with a specially composed suite of music, underpinned by Tom’s long term accompanist, the brilliant Nordic mandola player Marit Fält.

This tour builds on the success of his previous work, most recently ‘Seasons of Change’, the stories and music from 18 months busking around England.

“I’m devouring the book, not just reading it. The lad is one of the best fiddlers I’ve ever heard – he breathes life into the tunes. I didn’t know he was also a very fine writer indeed. I’ve been a sucker for these books about these islands. Busking for his keep, with his feet on the pavement of the high streets and his hand sending music into the air, Tom is a wise and witty guide to England pre-Covid19.” – Mike Harding, on Seasons of Change.

Tom’s debut solo album ‘Interloper’ was listed at #6 in the Sunday Express albums of the year 2015. “There are dozens of folk violinists, but few with the attack, passion, and ingenuity of Tom Kitching. The most beautiful instrumental playing of the year.“