GoGo Penguin

One of the most acclaimed British bands, GoGo Penguin freely blend jazz with a wide range of other genres – and their audience reflects that diversity. Few acts can so effortlessly bring together a die-hard jazz fan, an electronic partygoer, and a rocker.

This British instrumental trio quickly earned global recognition with their very first album Fanfares in 2012, thanks to their unique and innovative sound. Often described as “acoustic electronica,” their music resists simple categorization. While rooted in jazz, from the beginning they have infused their work with elements of trip-hop, breakbeat, minimalism, and progressive rock.

The true strength of GoGo Penguin lies in their hypnotic and emotionally charged compositions. They create the impression of intricate electronic music while relying solely on acoustic instruments – piano, double bass, and drums. Drummer Jon Scott plays with a precision reminiscent of drum machines, yet always with the creativity of a live musician. His pulsing, complex beats provide the solid foundation for the band’s sound. Pianist Chris Illingworth crafts minimalist, melancholic, and energetic motifs that layer and evolve like a cinematic soundtrack. And double bassist Nick Blacka anchors rhythm and harmony, serving as the vital link between piano and drums with his dynamic playing.

After their debut Fanfares, the band released v2.0 (2014), which marked their breakthrough far beyond the jazz world and earned them a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Their next album, Man Made Object (2016), was their first on the legendary Blue Note Records, confirming their position on the international jazz scene. Two more Blue Note albums followed – A Humdrum Star (2018) and the self-titled GoGo Penguin (2020).

In 2023, the trio signed with XXIM Records, releasing Everything Is Going to Be OK and, this June, their latest work Necessary Fictions. The musicians themselves describe the album as an attempt to capture “what we believe to be our essential, authentic qualities in this moment.” It is their boldest record to date, with a heightened focus on electronics, including modular synthesizers. Yet they have by no means abandoned the acoustic approach that earned them worldwide acclaim. On Necessary Fictions, GoGo Penguin are at their very best – and that is exactly how they will appear at JazzFestBrno.