Junk Magic cover

Junk Magic

Craig Taborn · 2004

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Experimental textures intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a soundscape that challenges and captivates through its jazz-inflected avant-garde approach.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Junk Magic — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, featuring a blend of free-form improvisation and rhythmic exploration that sets the stage for the entire listening experience.
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    Bodies at Rest and in Motion — This track showcases Taborn's ability to balance complex harmonic structures with spontaneous bursts of energy, exemplifying his innovative approach to composition.
  • →
    The Golden Age — Spanning over eleven minutes, this piece allows Taborn's piano to unfold in a meditative yet dynamic manner, illustrating his depth as an artist unafraid to explore extended forms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate rhythms that invite exploration
  • captivating soundscapes for deep listening
  • challenging structures that reward patience
  • immersive textures for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, catchy melodies
  • want immediate gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2004, Junk Magic marked Craig Taborn's emergence as a solo artist following his work with esteemed ensembles like the Chris Potter Quartet. This album came after Taborn's collaborations on projects such as the widely respected Fly or Die, showcasing his growth as a composer and pianist in the jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Brad Mehldau

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Junk Magic 6:18
  • 2 Mystero 6:55
  • 3 Shining Through 5:50
  • 4 Prismatica 3:32
  • 5 Bodies at Rest and in Motion 7:07
  • 6 Stalagmite 1:09
  • 7 The Golden Age 11:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata