Number Junky
The Danish/Australian trio Number Junky is an inventive jazz group to come out of the Southern Hemisphere. They play provocative rhythms and odd-time signatures while retaining a focus on both lyrical melodies and lush harmony. The group is led by Kristian Borring with the rhythm section of Zac Grafton on double-bass, and Peter Evans on drums. Their new album Earth Matters was released in 2022 on Coolit Records to international acclaim by publications such as Jazziz, Jazz Halo, The Australian, and Jazz Journal. The album’s maturity and appeal has been praised for “its lustrous sound and its melodic and harmonic qualities combined with the exploration of skilful rhythms” (Jazz Mania), while Borring was hailed as being a “post-bop wizard” (Vintage Guitars).
Number Junky plays original compositions by Borring and modern interpretation of jazz standards. The trio collaborated with the piano virtuoso Fabian Almazan on ‘Earth Matters’ and have recently joined forces with British saxophonist Will Vinson Work for their next album.
More PRESS:
"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)
Biographies
Kristian Borring is an Australia based; Danish born guitarist. He 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 with Archie Shepp, Will Vinson, Jim Hart,Jamie Oehlers, Fabian Almazan, Tal Cohen, Monika Lidke, Chris McNulty, 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 and the small jazz combo” (Bebop Spoken Here). Kristian continues to perform and tour with his European group, which has received much acclaim – “great force and a controlled ferocity” (Jazz Special, DK), “control and empathy” (BBC 3). Endorsed by Eastman Guitars has also recently founded his own label Cool it Records as a respond to the decrease in global touring due to the world pandemic. He lectures and teaches jazz guitar at WAAPA.
Peter Evans is a drummer, percussionist, and composer. He 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, from 2018-20 he relocated to New York to complete his Master of Music in jazz drumming at Queens College where he was awarded the Albert Ayler Award for an outstanding Graduate Student.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)
Zac Grafton is a bassist, composer and improvisor originally from NSW but now based in Perth. As a performer, 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.Zac has performed with international jazz stars such as Peter Bernstein, George Garzone, Fabian Almazan, and Tal Cohen and has learned his craft from reputable Australian double players; Jonathan Zwartz, Linda Oh, and Sam Anning.Besides his involvement since 2020 with Number Junky, Zac is featured on a number of top local and national recordings, most notably with the Harry Mitchell Quintet, Jamie Oehlers Night Music, and “Grievous Bodily Calm” (WAM award winners and regular RTRFM featured artists).