Zen Zadravec, Human Revolution | The Vinyl Anachronist

My first impression of Zen Zadravec‘s piano, processed when I first received Human Revolution a few weeks ago, is nearly the same right now. Zadravec, born in Winnipeg, has assembled a bright and energetic quintet, heavy on horns, maybe with a vocalist on one or two cuts, and he still plays as their equal. That’s right, five on one. He’s not pounding the keys so loudly that no one else on stage can think. He’s the gas. He makes the whole thing go, and once they get going he makes them go fast. Human Revolution isn’t designed, however, as a getaway car. Zen Zadravec views these tracks, mostly originals, as based upon the philosophies of Nichiren Buddhism. The liner notes mention that he “strives to create music that inspires, encourages and touches people’s hearts.” There’s nobility in that, but it doesn’t come at the cost of fun, a relaxed and jumpin’ vibe that helps you to forget the world instead of re-imagining it–even during the group’s softer ballads. These two themes, delivered by a propulsive style on the keyboards and perhaps by some Zen-like appreciation for the pace and tempo, is what makes this album so fascinating. But it’s unfair […]