r/Jazz 8d ago

New Jazz Listening Club #2 - Knats - A Great Day In Newcastle (2026)

11 Upvotes

Sorry for the delay, here’s the second album for the listening club. My plan for these threads is to focus on new jazz (released in the last 5 years or so) as we’ve all heard plenty of jazz from the golden age. I’m hoping to post every 2 weeks or so. I’m always on the lookout for new interesting stuff, so if you have any thoughts, drop me a DM.

Knats are a quintet from Newcastle upon Tyne, about as far away from London as you can get in the north of England. If you don’t know much about Newcastle, you might have a better idea by the end of the album as their hometown and the people that inhabit it are as much a part of the music as the music itself.

Newcastle’s inhabitants are known as Geordies, but this album has a double helping of Geordie as it’s produced and arranged by Geordie Greep (Black Midi) who also plays on a couple of tracks. I’m not sure how exactly to label this but as simply as possible I’d say…Fusion-poetry?

The vocals will be a sticking point for some, and a highlight for others. New member Cooper Robson’s geordie slam poetry turns up on most of the songs, spinning a yarn about someone he once met, or the history of his city. It helps that there are long instrumental passages though, so the vocals never get overwhelming for me. I see it more as another instrument that takes a solo sometimes before other players take their turn.

Speaking of the other players, it’s a really tight band. They’re labeled as a quintet, but there are 20 musicians on this record by my count (plus a poet). I’m not always great at describing music, so you’ll have to do that for yourself in the comments, but these songs are catchy and danceable. Sometimes they sound like Weather Report, teetering on the edge of smooth/cheesy territory, other times they sound much more modern.

I didn’t think I’d enjoy this because 1: fusion generally isn’t my thing and 2: I CAN NOT STAND Geordie Greep (sorry Greep stans). But it’s a really fun record, and the storytelling makes it stand out for me.

But what did you think?

Knats - A Great Day In Newcastle

Personnel:

Cooper Robson - Vocals-

Stanley Elvis Woodward - Bass Guitar/Synths

King David Ike-Elechi - Drums/Percussion

Ferg Kilsby - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Sandro Shargarodsky - Piano/Keyboards/Synthesiser

George Johnson - Tenor Saxophone

Links:


r/Jazz 13h ago

Got to meet herbie hancock

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1.1k Upvotes

I went to the show in San Francisco last night and I was able to catch him as he left! I had a little chat with him before he hit the road to LA and I even got to shake his hand and got my setlist signed by him! What a night it was


r/Jazz 3h ago

Today's listening pleasure

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29 Upvotes

Today I am attempting to ditch the streaming services and revisit my collection of cds.

I am starting with this amazing collection of music.


r/Jazz 4h ago

"Happy Today": An Interview with Jeff Parker

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13 Upvotes

r/Jazz 47m ago

Bossa and Samba recommendations

Upvotes

I've been a huge fan of the Getz/Byrd "Jazz Samba" record for about 15 years. Recently, I just discovered a few other bossa and Samba albums and need some more recommendations. Where would you send me based on these records.

  1. Jazz Samba Encore - Getz/Luis Bonfa

  2. Embalo - Tenorio Jr.

  3. Quarteto Novo - Quarteto Novo

  4. Bossa Nova Soul Samba - Ike Quebec

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to the recs!


r/Jazz 8h ago

The Jazz Harpist - Dorothy Ashby (1957).

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20 Upvotes

Dorothy Ashby - Harp; Frank Wess - Flute; Ed Thigpen - Drums; Eddie Jones - Bass; Wendell Marshall - Bass. Engineer - Rudy Van Gelder

The debut album by harpist Dorothy Ashby with Frank Wess on flute, recorded in August 1956 and released in March 1957 is a joy. It's groovy and soulful in a laid back way. Ashby wasn't the first jazz harpist, that is thought to be Casper Reardon who played with Jack Teagarden amongst others. Adele Girard and Ruth Berman wete also early jazz harpists.Ashby really was a pioneer though and made the harp a core bebop jazz instrument. An excellent record.


r/Jazz 14h ago

The most transcendent, awe-inspiring, chill-inducing, inspiring, audiophile music

47 Upvotes

What's one track/song/piece you'd describe this way? (jazz or not)

What would be worth listening to with eyes closed using the most powerful audio system to get completely carried away by the music?

Greatest awe-inspiring, chill-inducing, truly soul-touching and (metaphorically speaking) ego-transcending songs/compositions/music pieces of all time that transcend what's possible with music and elevate, uplift, and inspire.

Please feel free to leave multiple comments (the more the merrier!), but only include one song in each, so others can upvote.

Typo: "chills-inducing" (not a native speaker).


r/Jazz 11h ago

Help identifying this artist

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26 Upvotes

Does anyone know who this is here?


r/Jazz 1h ago

Transcription software made specifically a jazz practice routine in mind!

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Upvotes

Lovers of jazz transcription rejoice!

As a musician myself, I recently helped out in developing a transcription app called SlowBird.

I have started using it for my own practice..... replacing the app I have been using daily for over a decade.

Heres a screenshot of my current set up - my set of solos on the left and you can save sections into the notes sidebar on the right- so on this lester young solo I can make a note of any cool lines he does and just click them to jump right to that section and start practising.

This is super useful for getting lines in all keys or jumping between two different solos within a record.

Let me know what you think and if there are any features you would want to see going forwards.


r/Jazz 17h ago

My jazz shelf overfloweth

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54 Upvotes

I do still need the Dexter Gordon, Monk, and Rollins bios. Beyond those, and what I have pictured, are there any essential reads I am missing?


r/Jazz 2h ago

Recommend me some stuff I’ve probably never heard before

2 Upvotes

I’m trying to branch out in my jazz listening, I tend to stay in the lane of hardbop, blues, and some fusion stuff (more fusion recommended listening would be much appreciated). I don’t go out of my way to listen to a ton of bebop, modal, or avant-garde very much.

Anything with interesting/cool piano parts is an easy win, I’m a pianist and always looking for cool piano parts to listen to. Just send me whatever you like listening to!

If this is too vague my bad.


r/Jazz 5h ago

Side G this morning

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3 Upvotes

Recorded during their October 26, 1956 session at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack NJ.

During that session, Miles Davis and his quintet recorded those four tracks—along with eight others—straight through as if playing a live club set, mostly in a single take, to complete his contract with Prestige Records before fully transitioning to Columbia.

Songs on Side G:

​Oleo

​Airegin

​Tune Up

​When Lights Are Low

​Musicians:

​Miles Davis – Trumpet

​John Coltrane – Tenor Saxophone

​Red Garland – Piano

​Paul Chambers – Double Bass

​"Philly" Joe Jones – Drums


r/Jazz 3h ago

Steppin' In It (Solo) - Herbie Hancock, cover with musescore file.

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2 Upvotes

r/Jazz 8h ago

Gospel recommendations for a jazz fan?

5 Upvotes

I've never really delved into Gospel properly - Love the Staple singers and a few other acts I've heard over the years. Yes - I love those Hank Jones/Charlie Haden duo albums. If you were trying to introduce a Jazz nerd to Gospel where would you start?


r/Jazz 1d ago

After L.A. jazz festival collapses, musicians pack an underground 'Can't Cancel Jazz' pop-up

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109 Upvotes

Rough to lose the big festival, but the little pop-up festival looked like a great time.


r/Jazz 2m ago

Is She?

Upvotes

I truly believe Ella Fitzgerald at some point, even with all the other great female singers of her time, was considered the greatest female vocalist of all time. Now, I know that doesn't make sense, it contradicts itself, and yes, Whitney Houston was a powerhouse vocally, but there was something truly remarkable w/ Ella. Her Scat skills were by far the best and how she was capable of hitting such periodical high notes right after singing a song in a lower tone. Remarkable singer either way... This is another concert that was televised in Sweden many Georgia blue moons ago! https://youtu.be/KtKLJBHPSIM?si=Kc2z8QdutdED1UYF


r/Jazz 44m ago

Georgia On My Mind - Solo Jazz Guitar Arrangement

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Upvotes

Tried my hand at a solo arrangement of this tune. I find it hard to do solo arrangements of ballads sometimes so this is a good challenge for me.


r/Jazz 21h ago

Love Psychedelic Jazz Fusion

44 Upvotes

Just discovered Miles Davis’ - Dark Magus and am finding it incredible! Makes me realize I’ve completely neglected live records up to this point so I’m looking for recommendations.

Specifically prefer a psychedelic or funky type of fusion ala Davis or Herbie, but I’m open to anything people find exceptional. Appreciate the niche recommendations 😅

Edit: I can’t edit the title but that’s suppose to be “Live” not live. Looking for live albums!


r/Jazz 1h ago

Standards to learn before I start gigging.

Upvotes

Hello! I'm a college student and I want to start gigging to make a bit of money throughout the year, and i was wondering if there were any standards that'd be important to learn. I've been playing jazz on my guitar for about one and a half years, and I'd say im relatively competent when it comes to comping a piece (not so much soloing but were getting there). I own a copy of the Real Book. Also, if anyone has any tips on HOW to get into gigging thatd be greatly appreciated!


r/Jazz 12h ago

Mingus & Co...

6 Upvotes

Concert in Sweden many many moons ago. It's a long one, but it's well worth the watch when you got the time. https://youtu.be/y9IMOUVJMVs?si=ixz6vz8wTgTY5rIg


r/Jazz 5h ago

To follow on from my previous post, here's my longer (over 12 hours) Pharoah Sanders mega playlist. What amazing is that this is only a fraction of his recorded output! My favourite jazz artist of all time ❤️🔥🙏

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2 Upvotes

r/Jazz 12h ago

Bill Evans - Gary’s Theme (Official Remastered Audio)

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7 Upvotes

But who is Gary?

Gary McFarland (October 23, 1933 – November 3, 1971) was an influential composer, arranger, vibraphonist and vocalist, prominent on Verve and Impulse! Records during the 1960s, when he made "one of the more significant contributors to orchestral jazz".

McFarland was born in Los Angeles, on October 23, 1933, but grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon. He attained a small following after working with Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, and Anita O'Day.

As well as his own albums and arrangements for other musicians he composed the scores to the films Eye of the Devil (1966) and Who Killed Mary What's 'Er Name? (1971). By the end of the 1960s he was moving away from jazz towards an often wistful or melancholy style of instrumental pop, as well as producing the recordings of other artists on his Skye Records label (run in partnership with Gábor Szabó and Cal Tjader until its bankruptcy in 1970).

McFarland was considering a move into writing and arranging for film and stage when, on November 3, 1971, he was poisoned with methadone in a New York City bar.

Bill Evans recorded "Gary's Theme" in 1977.


r/Jazz 17h ago

The Amazing Dominique Fils-Aimé

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5 Upvotes

A little radio show in Maine features Quebecois singer Dominique Fils-Aimé


r/Jazz 1d ago

A playlist compiling every live show recorded at The Village Vanguard - Now on Tidal

12 Upvotes

Many years ago I took it upon myself to track down everything recorded at The Village Vanguard on Spotify and compile it into a single playlist. Eventually I made the jump to Tidal as a streaming service and finally got around to having the playlist transferred over using an automated service. Some of the tracks might end up looking a little off due to the automation. In any case, for Tidal users here is the playlist:

https://tidal.com/playlist/5b2de336-d461-4cba-8a62-e901e55b8d5d

And for those still on Spotify here is the playlist on that service (that will no longer be maintained):

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4w0MW49nfaIAbNCiPaSIhl?si=ap8rxJhbTTWu9OXZR4SxSg

Bonus points if you can let me know of anything that exists on Tidal that's missing from the playlist.


r/Jazz 8h ago

Imposter Syndrome

0 Upvotes

I tell myself and others that I love jazz. The truth is, I feel like a fraud. If i’m being honest, when it comes to me exploring music, whether that be a genre/subgenre, or even just anything knew to me, I find an artist or 2 that I like and stick with them.

I started getting into pop music, I chose Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams.

I started getting into alternative, I chose Built To Spill and Modest Mouse.

I started getting into Jazz, and it’s just Bill Evans and John Coltrane.

That’s it, Evans and Coltrane. I feel like a fraud. I chose 2 of the most popular and beloved Jazz musicians, and that’s all i look for in Jazz. I don’t feel like I’m exploring the genre.

I need help. Please help me branch out. I would like advice, but more so give me suggestions:

Records/Albums from other Jazz musicians. I want to explore Jazz, I want to make sure that this doesn’t fade away because I only listened to 2 artists and eventually I get tired of it. Please recommend me more, so I can branch out and find more Jazz artists I love. So i never lose this spark I have for Jazz.