Kürrent’s Kürrent Album: A Jazz Journey That Sticks With You
Man, oh man, if you’re into jazz but haven’t heard Kürrent by Kürrent yet, you’re missing out on something kinda special. Released in 2017 under the radar (literally, it’s self-released via Not On Label), this album feels like one of those hidden gems tucked away in your uncle’s record collection—raw, unpolished, and full of soul. It’s got that mix of groovy improvisation and tight musicianship that makes you sit up straight and think, “Wait… what just happened?”
Let me break it down for ya. The lineup here is killer: Brian Charette on electric organ doing double duty as the composer, Ben Monder shredding guitar with his signature moody vibe, Jordan Young handling drums AND electronics like some kind of mad scientist, and Michael Brorby mixing everything so clean it almost sparkles. But don’t expect anything too polished—it’s all about the mood, baby.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there are a couple that really stuck with me after listening. First off, there’s “Catfish Sandwich.” I mean, c’mon, even the title sounds fun, right? This tune is pure playful chaos wrapped in a smooth groove. Charette’s organ lines bounce around like they can’t decide whether to chill or go wild, while Monder’s guitar sneaks in these little dissonant riffs that feel like someone whispering secrets in your ear. By the time Jordan Young’s drumming kicks into high gear, you’re not sure whether to nod along or start dancing awkwardly in your kitchen. Either way, it works.
Then there’s “Intermezzo 2,” which hit me like a ton of bricks—but in a good way. Like, emotionally heavy but still kinda beautiful. The track opens with this haunting melody from the organ that feels like walking through fog at dawn. You know, when everything’s quiet except for birds chirping faintly in the distance? That’s what this track does—it slows you down and makes you pay attention. And just when you think it’s gonna stay mellow forever, BAM, the band drops in with this lush swell of sound that feels like sunlight breaking through clouds. Honestly, it gave me goosebumps.
The rest of the album keeps things fresh too. Tracks like “Schooby’s Riff” bring back that playful energy, while cuts like “Honeymoon Phase” lean more introspective. There’s no filler here; every song has its own personality, its own vibe. Even the interludes (“Intermezzo 1,” “Intermezzo 3”) feel intentional, like little breathers between bigger moments.
But here’s the thing—what really stayed with me wasn’t just the music itself. It was how human it felt. Like these guys weren’t trying to prove anything or chase trends. They just made an album that sounded like them. No gimmicks, no overproduction. Just honest-to-goodness jazz played by people who clearly love what they do.
And isn’t that kinda rare these days? In a world where everyone’s chasing streams and viral hits, Kürrent reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place—to feel something real. So yeah, give this album a spin. Maybe grab a drink, dim the lights, and let it take you somewhere unexpected. Who knows? You might end up liking it more than you thought. Or maybe you’ll hate it. Either way, you won’t forget it.
Oh, and P.S., whoever came up with the name “Catfish Sandwich” deserves an award. Seriously.
