JASON KRUK, Beyond the Veil

With Beyond the Veil, the long awaited follow-up to his 2009 debut album Leaving Saturn, veteran drummer and composer Jason Kruk delivers an ambitious and wide-ranging fusion project that blends technical precision with a strong sense of musical storytelling. Drawing on his extensive background across jazz, funk and rock, Kruk assembles an elite ensemble—including guitarists Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers and members of Snarky Puppy—to create a vibrant, all at once musically grounded and surreal, constantly shifting sonic landscape that riffs off unique one or two word animal and nature-inspired titles.  

From the bustling, boldly progressive and improvisation rich opening track “Ascension,” the album establishes its exploratory intent, driven by Brian Donahoe’s smoky, irrepressible tenor sax, Art Hirahara’s dynamic piano work and Kruk’s propulsive yet nuanced drumming. “Awakening” follows with a groove-heavy foundation and bold interplay highlighted by Adam Rogers’ distinctive, incendiary guitar energy. Kruk’s compositional strength lies in his ability to balance intensity with contrast.

Tracks like “The Lion” and “The Ox” emphasize rhythmic power, jazz/rock fusion dynamics and tightly woven ensemble work, while “The Eagle” stretches outward with more expansive, soaring excursions. The sequencing gives the album a suite-like quality, guiding the listener through a series of evolving moods and textures as the ensemble eases from animals to the earth’s organic elements.

The mid=album delicacies “Dad” and “Water” serve as a chill oasis, introducing a more introspective dimension, allowing space for subtle, intuitive interaction between guitar, bass and tenor sax. These moments of restraint make the later aggressive, more rhythmically charged pieces—like “Earth” and “Fire”—feel even more impactful.

Throughout, Kruk’s drumming anchors the music while encouraging creative freedom among the players. Beyond the Veilis a compelling modern fusion statement full of thoughtful construction, freewheeling excitement and boundless purposeful energy.