The piano trio has been one of the most durable, beloved, and flexible formats in jazz history. Manchester-based GoGo Penguin turns this most venerable construct on its ear, infusing direct influences from contemporary electronic music and modern classical concepts into their singular ensemble approach that has earned well-deserved raves from all corners of the music world.

The band’s hypnotic, swirling grooves are acoustic adaptations of pieces composed with sequencing software, and rely as much on additive development and dynamic contrasts as improvisation, with pianist Chris Illingworth’s powerful melodic statements anchored by Nick Blacka’s thunderous bass and the skittering break-beat rhythms of new drummer Jon Scott.

The strength of their first two independent albums and magnetic live performances led to inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list of “20 Great New British Artists to Watch,” as well as a deal with Blue Note Records, who released their 2016 breakout, Man Made Object.

After two further albums and a remix EP, the band underwent a series of personal and professional upheavals before regrouping with a new drummer, a new label, and a stunning new release, 2023’s Everything Is Going to Be Okay on XXIM Records.

Pushing the jazz trio form in unprecedented new directions, GoGo Penguin truly sounds like nothing else on Earth.