JabFung: In Real Life

At a time when so much of our interaction is filtered through digital platforms, the album In Real Life arrives as a reminder of the power of human beings to listen to and respond to one another in real time. The collective JabFung has thrived on the chemistry captured in this recording. Bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes, drummer Anthony Fung, alto saxophonist Luis Deniz, trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, and pianist Rafael Zaldivar create music that celebrates connection, resilience, and trust. The session's eight compositions are almost evenly split, with Anderson-Bowes contributing three and Fung five, reflecting a true collaborative partnership.

The opener, "Changes," unfolds as a conversation shaped by history and familiarity. Deniz and O'Farrill set the table, moving fluidly between unison statements and exchanges before Deniz launches into a lengthy exposition on evolving ideas. The rhythm section supports their efforts with ever-changing patterns. "Stronger Still" seems built on perseverance and durability. Fung and Anderson-Bowes provide sturdy support for increasingly expansive improvisations by O'Farrill and Zalvidar, which build emotional strength without sacrificing lyricism.

"In Transit, Undefined" evokes motion and impermanence through forward-driving rhythmic figures and evolving harmonies. The interjections by Deniz and O'Farrill are exploratory in tone and timbre yet fully formed. "Skander" moves briskly, if somewhat obtusely, with quick rhythmic turns and playful accents. Zalvidar moves to the fore, in full command of the keyboard, with a wide range of sound.

Many jazz albums are described as collaborative efforts, but that simply means a leader has assembled a talented group of musicians to interpret a particular vision. This release feels different. The collaborative spirit is embedded in the music itself, from the balanced compositions of Fung and Anderson-Bowes to the exchange of ideas among the players. Rather than spotlighting individual achievements, the album succeeds because each musician contributes to a collective narrative.

This notion is exemplified in the closing track "Woven." The interlocking lines among Anderson-Bowes, O'Farrill, and Deniz create a rich contrapuntal fabric, to which the horns contribute an extensive extemporaneous thread within the larger design.

In an increasingly cynical world, the album reaffirms its central theme of genuine listening, trust, and human connection.