Los Angeles-based drummer and producer Max Jaffe is set to release his highly anticipated LP, You Want That Too!, on November 21st via Colorfield Records. Known for his innovative approach to drumming and composition, Jaffe’s latest album is a captivating journey through eclectic rhythms, space jazz, and experimental textures. Recorded at Pete Min's Lucy’s Meat Market Studio in LA, You Want That Too! features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Jeff Parker, Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Spencer Zahn, Logan Kane, and many others.
A Sonic Exploration: You Want That Too!
Jaffe’s new LP is the result of a deep and experimental creative process. Describing the album as a “process-driven experiment,” Jaffe says, “Each track was sculpted from pristine silence — whittled away with tone, harmony, rhythm.” The album was recorded with the goal of a clean slate every day in the studio, allowing Jaffe and his collaborators to explore sound freely and create something fresh each time they picked up their instruments.
The result is an album that is as experimental as it is joyful, with a focus on discovery, collaboration, and the creation of new sounds. Jaffe’s work has always been defined by his commitment to pushing boundaries, and You Want That Too! is no exception. The music itself is propulsive yet mellow, with an experimental edge that draws on influences from early Warp Records releases, space jazz, and glitch-funk. Throughout the LP, listeners are invited to engage with the tension between structure and freedom, as Jaffe and his collaborators craft a sound that is dynamic and ever-evolving.
Collaborations that Tell a Story
One of the defining features of You Want That Too! is its collaborative nature. Jaffe explains that the musicians on the album “tell a story,” with some being long-time friends and others newly forged connections in his ever-expanding musical network. Jeff Parker’s expressive guitar work, Meg Duffy’s delicate yet powerful guitar tones, and Spencer Zahn’s deep bass grooves all contribute to the album’s intricate layers. Other collaborators include Gavin Gamboa, Daniel Rotem, Shelley Burgon, and Logan Kane, each adding their unique voice to the project.
While the album embraces a wide range of musical ideas, it never feels scattered. The variety of sounds and influences is carefully curated, resulting in an album that maintains a coherent identity while offering moments of playful experimentation and discovery.
Key Tracks: A Glimpse into You Want That Too!
The first single, “In Green”, released ahead of the album, is a perfect introduction to Jaffe’s creative world. With a buoyant groove and improvisational moments provided by Jeff Parker, Daniel Rotem, and Logan Kane, the track offers a glimpse into the kind of sonic exploration Jaffe has been working on. Max describes it as a “personal flotation device,” inviting listeners to drift downstream through the music’s flowing, improvisational wonder.
Another standout track, “S-NARE”, will be released on October 29th. The track draws inspiration from early Warp Records and Jaffe’s work with electronic drum sensors like Sensory Percussion. “S-NARE” is a drum-centric freakout, where the snare drum takes center stage as both a historical and musical symbol of control and power. “The snare has a loaded history of leading militaries into bloodshed,” Jaffe says. “S-NARE” uses that tension to lead the listener through a cathartic, driving rhythm that both captivates and challenges.
A New Chapter for Max Jaffe
For Jaffe, You Want That Too! represents a new chapter in his musical journey. His previous album, Reduction of Man, was a reflection on his twenties in pre-pandemic New York City, an elegy to a period of his life that felt like it had come to a close. With You Want That Too!, Jaffe is building a fresh foundation, one that draws on his experiences, his history, and the collaborative spirit of his time in LA.
“This is not a complete fresh start,” Jaffe reflects. “I am still, for better or worse, me. But it’s a new story.” This “new story” feels more expansive, open, and optimistic—a celebration of collaboration and the creative possibilities that come from working with others.
A Diverse, Eclectic Sound
What stands out most about You Want That Too! is its eclecticism. The album spans a wide range of musical genres and styles, from experimental jazz and glitch-funk to ambient and atmospheric soundscapes. But it’s not just a mix of disparate sounds; the album thrives on its ability to find cohesion in diversity. It’s an album that embraces the unknown, and in doing so, offers listeners a rich, immersive experience.
One track that exemplifies this eclecticism is “Ancestral Creeks”, which feels like a unique blend of psychedelic rock, jazz, and experimental music. The track recalls the spirit of CAN’s Tago Mago, yet it’s undeniably personal to Jaffe and Min. The deep, hypnotic grooves and expansive soundscapes invite listeners to lose themselves in the music, making it one of the album’s standout moments.
What’s Next for Max Jaffe?
With You Want That Too!, Jaffe continues to cement his place as a forward-thinking artist in the world of experimental jazz and electronic music. His exploration of new sounds, his commitment to collaboration, and his willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the studio make this album one of his most exciting releases yet.
Fans of Josh Johnson, Jeff Parker, CAN, Plaid, and Pharoah Sanders will find much to love here, but Jaffe’s unique voice and approach ensure that You Want That Too! stands on its own as a truly distinctive work.
Album Details
Album Title: You Want That Too!
Artist: Max Jaffe
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Label: Colorfield Records
Genres: Jazz, Experimental
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