Where the norm in jazz and improvisational music is to experiment with abstraction, drummer and composer Jason Kruk emerges with his latest album, “Beyond the Veil.” this reflective and compelling statement bridges Kruk’s deeply personal narrative with modern ensemble artistry in a work of considerable depth and ambition.
Jason Kruk is no newcomer to jazz, he’s a New York City-based drummer with decades of experience spanning fusion, big band, funk, and Afro-Cuban styles. He studied with luminaries and has performed extensively on both coasts and abroad. His 2026 release on Sun Goose Records, brings together a roster of talented collaborators, including guitarists Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers, bassist Fima Ephron, and members of Snarky Puppy.
The album operates less like a set of conventional songs and more like a suite of interconnected movements. Each piece is a vignette, an emotional snapshot. From the outset, Kruk’s writing feels like music in conversation: responsive, fluid, and never static.
https://jasonkruk.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-veil
The sprawling opening track, “Ascension,” unfolds with generous space and textural layering. Adam Rogers’ guitar and Fima Ephron’s double and electric bass create a harmonic canvas that swings between contemplative introspection and robust rhythmic drive.
Middle tracks “The Eagle” and “The Man” are the next highlights as they showcase Wayne Krantz’s musical presence. His signature blend of melody and abstraction, augmented here by ring modulation, propels the piece into electric fusion territory. Kruk’s drumming dances around Krantz’s lines, at once grounding and exploring.
What really stands out is the concept behind Beyond the Veil. It is an artistic reflection of Kruk’s journey, from dealing with addiction to eventually finding his faith and a sense of purpose. Kruk is driven by a belief that music is both universal and deeply personal, and the strength of his convictions shines through in the music.
https://www.jasonkruk.com
https://www.sungooserecords.com
Beyond the Veil embodies a growing trend in contemporary jazz and fusion: music that prioritizes depth, collaboration, and emotional resonance over genre conventions. It’s a record that rewards patient listening; one where subtlety and nuance unfold with each play.