JABFUNG

IN REAL LIFE

Independent label

Julian Anderson-Bowes, bass; Anthony Fung, drums; Rafael Zaldivar, piano; Adam O’Farrill, trumpet; Luis Deniz, alto saxophone.

This is their second release and it’s just as powerful and moving as their debut album called “Epoch.”  You can hear the power on a tune that affirms it in the title, “Stronger Still.” Both trumpet and alto saxophone create a duet of interesting improvisation at the intro. Then the song blossoms into a full quintet of melodic energy supported by the rhythm section tension.

Both founding members of the Jabfung group have contributed original music for this release.  Anderson-Bowes has composed three songs and Fung contributed five pieces. The inclusion of Adam O’Farrill on trumpet is a reunion of sorts.  The leaders share history with the Brooklyn-based trumpeter, dating back to early formative years in the music business when they participated in the Monterey Youth Big Band and at the Banff Centre for the Arts. However, the core of the group features Cuban Canadians Luis Deniz (alto sax man) and Rafael Zaldivar on piano.

The striking cover art was designed by Klara Vanzella Yang, who is a Brazilian visual artist and graphic designer.  Her work captures a holographic city with a single figure standing in the center of what seems to be electronic energy field spreading upwards, perhaps capturing the tension of modern connectivity in today’s world and our strange attachment to “the cloud.” Visually, she captures the electronic energy and our fascination with it, along with the isolation a solo journey can sometimes create.

“Respite Piano Smash” is a reminder that peace is often interrupted by chaos.  It begins with just piano and bass, but soon the horns join in, along with the drums of Anthony Fung to invigorate this arrangement.  This tune searches for a quiet respite amidst this world’s noisy reality, focusing on Zaldivar’s piano.  I did find it a little repetitious, but then Zaldivar stretches out and explores more of his instrument and his own creativity.

“Skander” is a composition that I found interesting because of the drama in the production. The bass line threads through it, creating tension and a rich basement for the tune to build upon. According to his press release, it was inspired by a chaotic taxi ride in Montreal. The tune captures the anxiety of the composers who were on that crazy trip, and the unpredictability of the journey.

Jabfung challenges us to think about today’s world and our human presence and participation in real-time digital and electronic life.  This album uses original music and talent to tickle our minds and scratch at the surface of our unanswered questions.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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