The Danish/Australian trio Number Junky from Perth combines exciting rhythms and odd-time signatures while retaining a focus on lyrical melodies and lush harmony. They play contemporary original jazz and re-workings of standards led by Danish guitarist and “post-bop wizard” (Vintage Guitars) Kristian Borring with the “hip and capable” (Ivan Rod) rhythm section of Zac Grafton on bass, and Peter Evans on drums. They released their critically acclaimed album Earth Matters on Coolit! Records in 2022: “It’s success is built on their great ability to navigate busy rhythmic minefields, and also on the immaculate time inherent in Borring's strong playing” (The Australian). The album’s maturity and appeal has been praised internationally with “its lustrous sound and its melodic and harmonic qualities combined with the exploration of skilful rhythms” (Jazz Mania). Number Junky has performed and recorded with American/Cuban pianist Fabian Almazan and British saxophonist Will Vinson. Strongly in demand on the jazz scene, they are also known for their monthly residency in Perth, The Villa House Sessions. 

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"An album we could all benefit from listening to " – Dingo Jazz (AUS)

"The music opens up an ocean of improvisational possibilities" – Jazz-Fun.de (D)

"This ... album will not fail to seduce jazz and guitar fans in particular" – Jazz Mania (B)

Individual bios:

Danish expat Kristian Borring is cited to be "a guitarist of enormous technical ability who utilizes his considerable gifts thoughtfully and tastefully, a highly accomplished guitarist and composer” (The Jazz Mann). On graduating from Guildhall School of Music in London (2006), he cemented his name on the UK scene a leader and sideman alike. With multiple acclaimed albums to his name (on Jellymould Jazz Records, Babel, Ultra-Sound Records and Coolit! Records), he has also performed or recorded with Archie Shepp, Will Vinson, Jim Hart, Jamie Oehlers, Fabian Almazan, Tal Cohen, Bruno Heinen, Tommaso Starace and many more. Kristian is often described as an understated virtuoso and is recognised for having a “contemporary edge whilst never losing his firm grip on the jazz guitar lexicon… a masterful exposition of jazz guitar” (Bebop Spoken Here). Kristian has led multiple tours the UK and Europe with his European group, which has received much acclaim – “great force and a controlled ferocity” (Jazz Special, DK), “control and empathy” (BBC 3). Since moving to Australia, he has founded his own label Cool it! Records while also lecturing and teaching jazz guitar at West Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Drummer/percussionist Peter Evans has toured and performed with a wide range of artists both around Australia and internationally across many different genres of music. He has also presented his own original music around Australia, Europe and in the USA. A graduate of both the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the Victorian College of the Arts, he has also been based New York completing his Master of Music in jazz drumming at Queens College where he was awarded the Albert Ayler Award. A member of Number Junky and in demand on the WA scene, Peter is currently based in Perth where he performs regularly with varied projects and artists. “Peter Evans’ drumming really stands out … it is reminiscent of the musical approach of the legendary jazz drummer Jack Dejohnette”. (Fremantle Herald)

Bassist Zac Grafton originally from NSW but now based in Perth where he is high in demand. Zac has appeared on stages throughout the country including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane jazz festivals as well as internationally in New York, Stanford California, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and throughout Europe. He has performed with names such as Peter Bernstein, George Garzone, Fabian Almazan and Tal Cohen. Besides his involvement with Number Junky, Zac is featured on a number recordings, most notably with the Harry Mitchell Quintet, Jamie Oehlers Night Music, and the eclectic and acclaimed quintet “Grievous Bodily Calm”.

Website: www.kristianborring.com
 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kristianborringguitarist/
 
Instagram: http://instagram.com/krisborring/
 
Bandcamp: https://kristianborring.bandcamp.com/album/earth-matters
 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristianborring