Kneebody
do not stand still. Always searching, always committed. Intent on discovering new pathways of musical expression. Never complacent and never predictable. Kneebody are one of the most adventurous and exciting bands of their generation for their sheer virtuosity and musicianship, armed with a clarity of vision and understanding of who their audiences are. Chapters, their 9th studio album and their first full album since they became a four piece with the extraordinary Nate Wood taking the dual role of drummer and bassist on three tracks (and bringing in the astonishing Kaveh Rastegar for the rest of the album), is highly original, explosive and inventive. A powerhouse of firepower and virtuosity told with commanding musical intent.

Held together with their trademark sound of displaced beats, infectious riffs and haunting unison horns blended with compelling affected solos, a musical confidence and a sublime musical language, Chapters is one of their most spirited and accomplished albums to date. An album of originals featuring a stellar array of guests including Michael Mayo, Gretchen Parlato, Josh Dion and Becca Stevens, it has the potential to become a modern day great! With an explosive vitality and exuberance, and, at the flick of a switch, the ability to switch from a wall of monstrous improvisations to a sound of nuanced sweetness, Chapters epitomises Kneebody’s reason for being.

Referring to the title and its meaning, trumpeter Shane Endsley continues: ‘The title references the episodic nature of life and the way our personal stories begin to form a narrative as we accumulate more time on the planet. Kneebody feels like a family. We came together as young people and have spent all these years growing together. We have our personal chapters and we have our chapters as a band and they all intertwine. Sometimes we have to look back to realize what a given chapter was about and sometimes it can be noted in the present. At this time, Kneebody is clearly entering a new period and this album illustrates the passage. We have the original quintet, the new quartet, and we have the arrival of these wonderful guests. From here, we begin the next chapter of our story.’

As with all Kneebody projects Chapters is performed in a spirit of deep respect for the individual musical talents of all. A band of 15+ years with the excitement and energy of one starting out, instantly recognisable, Kneebody performs the feat of creating music that’s both musicians’ music and music for the people. They have the ability to create the feeling of a rock band with the subtle language of jazz. This music is up there with the most engaging bands on the circuit – edginess, intensity and massive energy, tempered by respect and spirit accented by superb musicianship and virtuosity.