KWJAZ  - “A Certain Sprout”

Those who were brave enough to face the cold San Francisco rain last night were treated by an intimate performance of diverse experimental music at Hemlock Tavern, all thanks to the SF based electronic musician Peter Berends, who performers under the moniker KWJAZ. The show also featured an astounding acoustic set from his Not Not Fun label-mate Weyes Blood, as well as performances from Horsebladder and Queen Victoria.

As a former band member of Rangers, KWJAZ specializes in creating long-from, dynamic instrumental soundscapes, blending obscure samples with organic sounds. Armed with a table stacked with a mad scientist’s collection of petals and knobs, samplers and computers, Berends performed a continuous set of ambient jazz grooves with sonic surprises around every corner. This is the type of performance where it is perfectly acceptable to close your eyes and let your mind drift.

Posted above for your listening pleasure is a bonus track from the CD version of his self-titled debut, currently available on Not Not Fun. “A Certain Sprout” is significantly shorter than any other tracks he has released thus far, but nonetheless dreamy. The enchanting jazz melody dazzles the airwaves and tickles the spirit, but certainly leaves you thirsty for more. If you enjoy what you hear, I highly recommended listening to the deeper, twenty-minute arrangements that are present on the album.

Here is an excerpt from “Once In Babylon”: