Liverpool-born Gardiner has received recognition from his solo guitarist peers including Rick Graham and Steve Vai, while gradually building a library of his funk-tinged jazz-fusion rock music. Since developing a creative partnership with Norwegian multi-instrumentalist and producer Owane, with whom he released two collaborative records, Gardiner has returned to his solo career with a new fervour.
His 2025 EP ‘Urushi’ explored themes and inspiration from Japanese culture, which bled through into the music’s sound and instrumentation. Tracks ‘Eightfold Fence’ and ‘Place To Be’ enlist Japanese cellist Mariko Muranaka, with the former employing a distinctively Japanese composition.
Inside ‘Kintsugi’
Debut album ‘Kintsugi’ was announced only two weeks ago on Gardiner’s Youtube channel. He explained the inspiration behind the album and its name – “’kintsugi’ is a Japanese artform that involves broken pottery, and the idea is that we remake that pottery with lacquer called ‘urushi’ and powdered gold. So it transforms something that could be considered broken into something that’s unique and really kind of beautiful.” He later adds that following struggles with imposter syndrome, he developed the story for ‘Kintsugi’ – “the concept behind it was that even if I’m a completely broken person and I don’t believe in myself, through collaboration, that’s where I get this powdered gold and can make something that’s kind of unique and beautiful really.”
Listen to Kintsugi here:
‘Kintsugi’ Track Highlights
The tracks from ‘Urushi’ all made it to the album, with standouts ‘Eightfold Fence’ providing emotional East-Asian noodling, and ‘Shibuya Meltdown’ bringing the party with a delightful blend of funky slap bass, pop guitar solos and an assault of synthesiser cuts. More recent single ‘Taxman’ is a breezy 80s synthwave-esque groove borrowing the talents of Dirty Loops’ bassist Henrik Linder, with latest release ‘The Snow Job’ occupying a similar vein, showcasing the phenomenal shredding of Gardiner and guest Matteo Mancuso. One particular highlight is the track ‘Iki’ featuring keyboard licks and solos by Oli Howe and drumming courtesy of Porter Bliquez. Reminiscent of a fusion between Michael Jackson’s 80s backing tracks and a Sonic the Hedgehog level theme, this is perhaps the most entertaining output that can come from so much virtuoso indulgence. The full album has an ambitious run time of around 50 minutes, managing not to overstay its welcome across its 14 tracks, which can be found below:
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- Fan Boy (feat. Henrik Linder & Aron Mellergård)
- Spark It (feat. Cory Wong)
- The Snow Job (feat. Matteo Mancuso)
- Sandglass (feat. Andy Timmons)
- Shibuya Meltdown (feat. Gianluca Pellerito & Riccardo Oliva)
- Taxman (feat. Owane & Henrik Linder)
- Iki (feat. Oli Howe & Porter Bliquez)
- Mugen (feat. Henrik Linder)
- Place To Be (feat. Mariko Muranaka)
- First Train Home
- Moon Over Mango
- Eightfold Fence (feat. Mariko Muranaka)
- Mata Ne
The Final Verdict
‘Kintsugi’ is a blast from start to finish, juggling more genres than you comprehend while still being cohesive and never straying into pretentiousness. On his maiden LP, Jack Gardiner has asserted himself as not only the most exciting solo guitarist in the UK, but one who the whole world should keep an eye on. Every note is in its right place, every track is recorded with meticulous precision, and the audio mix is outrageously tight. Rating: 10/10 – a must‑listen for fans of modern jazz‑fusion and shred guitar.
‘Kintsugi’ is available for digital purchase on Bandcamp, in physical bundles alongside instructional materials on Jack Gardiner’s website, or on streaming platforms. Jack Gardiner is on tour in 2026 starting this week, playing in Finland, Asia and Australia, with tickets on sale here.