Kristian Borring - Guitarist/Composer
Number Junky
Number Junky is an inventive Danish/Australian jazz trio based in Western Australia, led by acclaimed guitarist and composer Kristian Borring. Featuring Zac Grafton (double bass) and Peter Evans (drums), the trio has established itself as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz, combining rhythmic sophistication with lyrical depth.
Emerging from Borring’s research into odd-meter composition and improvisation, Number Junky has built a reputation for music that balances complex rhythmic structures with strong melodic identity and accessibility. Their work explores shifting time signatures, polyrhythms, and layered grooves, while maintaining a clear focus on expressive interplay and narrative composition.
Since forming in 2019, the trio has developed a strong profile across Australia and internationally, performing extensively in Perth, regional Western Australia, and interstate, while also engaging in workshops and residencies that reflect their deep engagement with the contemporary jazz community.
Their debut album Earth Matters (2022) received international critical acclaim, praised for its “lustrous sound” and the seamless integration of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements. Their follow-up release Birak (2024), inspired by the Noongar seasonal calendar, further cements the trio’s identity with memorable themes, intricate rhythmic design, and tightly woven ensemble interplay.
Number Junky’s music sits at the intersection of modern post-bop, contemporary jazz, and exploratory improvisation. Their performances feature original compositions alongside reimagined jazz standards, often described as both “accessible and experimental,” appealing to a broad spectrum of jazz audiences while retaining artistic edge.
The trio has collaborated with internationally renowned artists including pianist Fabian Almazan and saxophonist Will Vinson, and regularly engages with leading figures on the Australian jazz scene through performances and their ongoing live projects.
Critics consistently highlight the group’s cohesion and musical communication:
“Inventive and unyielding… making switches of groove and time-feel sound easy.”
“Finely crafted melodies, shifting time signatures, coupled with tightly-woven group interplay.”
“For all its rhythmic complexities… the music remains melodic and accessible.”
At its core, Number Junky is defined by deep musical rapport, compositional clarity, and a commitment to pushing rhythmic boundaries without sacrificing musicality. The result is a compelling live experience and a catalogue that resonates with both jazz specialists and wider audiences.
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).