Multi-disciplinary artist, composer and forward thinker Jay Crocker (aka JOYFULTALK) can take the elemental and elevate it to something fluid and surprising. He’s an alchemist of sound. That last release for Constellation Records, A Separation Of Being, took chiming gamelan complexity, ringing peals of electronica and turbulent strings, then scaled things upwards to new heights.
Now comes news of his third album for the Canadian label, Familiar Science (due May 6th) and the prospect of further adventures into the world of fluent experimentation. This time Crocker has reached back to the deep heritage of assemblage in jazz that stretches from Miles-In A Silent Way- Teo Marcero innovation to Makaya Mcraven’s turntablist inspired new groove tapestries. Starting with his deft rhythmic samples at the centre Crocker spins a web of live and archival improv session edits to create the ‘Familiar Science’ soundscape. The result promises to be expansive, explosive and ultimately energising.
If further proof of what lies ahead is needed, the attention demanding preview track Take It To The Grave is open to takers on all the usual digi-platforms. Industrial in strength, it’s a tune powered from a foundry of scorching locomotive beats that wrestle with Crocker’s lithesome harmolodic guitar. Clattering, heavy and propulsive, recalling the relentless rush of prime James Blood Ulmer, ‘Take It To The Grave’ is some introduction to the possibilities that JOYFULTALK will be exploring on ‘Familiar Science’. So be prepared – this could get significant…
Pre-order Familiar Science by JOYFULTALK from your local record store or direct from: https://constellation.bandcamp.com/album/familiar-science
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