Junk Magic by Craig Taborn

31 Jan

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Keyboardist Craig Taborn institutes a bit of cosmic, jazz-funk amid facets of the avant-garde here on his latest effort for this forward-moving record label. The music is ultra-hip, partly due to a bombardment of midi treatments, ostinato grooves, trickling EFX and other niceties. Taborn garners intuitive assistance from fellow adventure seekers, violaist Mat Maneri, tenor saxophonist Aaron Stewart, and drummer David King. On works such as "Mystero," King and Taborn lay the groundwork for expansion, featuring Stewart’s breezy, tenor sax lines. In addition, some of these pieces are fabricated upon hazy, synth-laced dreamscapes.

The soloists’ delve into complex, yet easily attainable unison choruses, integrated with odd time signatures and funk-rock grooves. Taborn also integrates jazzy themes via his acoustic piano work to complement a series of spacey, free jazz motifs. Ultimately, Taborn’s persona is that of a pioneer whose cunning vision and mode of execution cannot be undermined. (Recommended..)

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Craig Taborn
CD Title: Junk Magic
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Thirsty Ear Recordings
Tracks: Junk Magic, Mystero, Shining Through, Prismatica, Bodies At Rest And In Motion, Stalagmite and The Golden Age
Musicians: Craig Taborn (piano, keyboards and programming), Mat Maneri (viola), Aaron Stewart (tenor saxophone), David King (drums)
Label Website: http://www.thirstyear.com
Rating: Four Stars