Number Junky & Kristian Borring - Birak (2024) [Hi-Res]

Number Junky returns with their second album, Birak. The acclaimed Perth based trio dives into a varied selection of contemporary jazz compositions by Danish guitarist Kristian Borring, in a holistic and lyrical journey through complex musical meter. The album was recorded over two separate sessions at Loop Studios in Perth, WA, and featuring the British saxophonist, Will Vinson, on one of these sessions.

Since their acclaimed debut Earth Matters (2022), Number Junky has been on a journey performing and exploring new music while continuing to develop and manifest their sound. Their latest album contains eight original tracks (+ an improvised bass interlude) in which the group moves from tight-knit odd meter grooves and post-bop sounds to spacious and free flowing compositions with lyrical melodies.

Birak, the title track refers to one two summer seasons of six seasons in the indigenous Noongar people’s culture of Western Australia. With an earthy melody, free solo sections, and a slow vamp to end that lazily moves towards a metaphorical horizon, Number Junky tries to capture the change of pace and transcendence that occurs when the heat starts sweeping in.

The album’s special guest, alto saxophonist Will Vinson, features on three tracks. The elaborate opening track, "Unsolved Puzzle", a ‘number cruncher’ for the number junkies, with a nebulous but consistent time feel driven forward by the engaging rhythm section of Grafton and Evans. "Straight South" in which he stretches his legs an inspired outro solo, as well as on "Into the Night", a moody up-tempo composition that offers many twists and turns. Vinson and Borring first met back in London in 2008 after which the sax virtuoso guested on Kristian’s acclaimed debut album, Nausicaa.

Kristian Borring – guitar
Zac Grafton – double bass
Peter Evans – drums
Featuring special guest:
Will Vinson – Saxophone