If you’re looking for some casual background music, don’t buy this CD. It would probably be downright annoying to try to have a conversation inside such an aural traffic jam. On the other hand, if you are seeking an adventure in modern jazz listening, look no farther. From his prodigous beginnings with James Carter and Roscoe Mitchell, through his recent and diverse outings with Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, and Tim Berne, keyboardist Craig Taborn has evolved into one of the most creative composers of his generation. His latest release on Thirsty Ear reflects his uncanny penchant for reaching the outer limits of accessibility through the unpredictable melding of acoustic and electronic, familiar and unfamiliar.

Moving away from the piano trio format and all-acoustic character of his two previous releases, Taborn’s Junk Magic provides a palette for the unconventional mixing and overdubbing of piano and electronic keyboards, violas (Mat Manieri), tenor sax (Aaron Stewart), and percussion (Dave King), all held together –and blown apart—by Taborn’s programming.

From the opening title track, Taborn swiftly moves through one sonic playground to another, providing a true feast for “thirsty ears.” This may be best achieved on the second cut, “Mystero,” as the tropical tones of Stewart’s tenor melody give way to an urban congestion of honking horns. Add into the mix ethereal clamors from Taborn, fast but understated tingles from King (yes, the Bad Plus drummer can be very understated!), and horn trills and squeals that remain essentially melodic. The overall effect is enticing and unsettling, as if walking into some unknown jungle with various delights around every corner, yet a sense of foreboding, caught between the potential for danger and excitement, only to slowly fade over King’s insistent drums and—some loudly chirping crickets.