Number Junky returned to Smiths, this time upstairs, and I was entranced by their performance as I was the previous time I heard them, 2 years back. Again, all those complex counts and melodies that interpret chords but don't define them to the ears so obviously, although chords there are and they do appear occasionally. This is despite Kristian's left hand that's often formed as a chord or Zac's left hand again formed in that double bass pattern covering all four strings - tonic, third, flat or natural seventh, perhaps fourth or flat fifth - chords again in evidence but solos expressed gently as melodies not extravagant bop lines (which I also love, of course; just not their style) with intervals and phrasing for lovely outings. Zac told me of his love of Charlie Haden; it fits. And Peter's inconspicuous grooves that interact and respond to his partners, subtly and with lovely colour, but deliciously also follow and even define grooves, if almost covertly. They played the tunes from their third album, Convergence, recently released. Most originals are by Kristian, with one by Zac, two standards significantly modified in arrangements by Kristian (Milestones / John Lewis, Stella) and two tunes by Danish composer Carl Nielsen, suffice to say no.66 and no.246, again arranged by Kristian. These remain consistent with the complexity and purity of the originals, complex and subtle and satisfying. Sadly I missed their afternoon ANUSOM workshops both times. They must have been doozies!
Number Junky performed upstairs in McGregor Hall at Smiths. NJ are Kristian Borring (guitar), Zac Grafton (bass) and Peter Evans (drums).
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