GoGo Penguin, a new generation piano trio with a wide appeal across genres, has evolved at a speed faster than fans could have imagined, becoming bolder, more complex, more intricate, and more ambient. This latest live performance, full of infinite possibilities and full of emotion, is now available in the highest quality, complete edition! This album replaces original drummer Rob Turner, known for his mechanically precise technique, but unlike Rob, known for supporting the legendary Ethiopian drummer Mulatu Astatke, John Scott, who, while possessing top-notch technique, is more aggressive and powerful, placing a greater emphasis on live performances. The release of this album marks the band's second album since joining the band, "Necessary Fictions," and coincides with the release of the band's second album, "Necessary Fictions." While the band's March solo tour of Tokyo and Yokohama is still lingering, just like the Jan Garbarek album we recently received (the day before), this album features a superb live performance, including tracks from their latest album, just performed at the Jazz Middelheim Festival in Antwerp, Belgium on June 9, 2025, recorded in its entirety on an ultra-high-quality stereo soundboard with meticulous mastering by the label itself. A must-listen for all music fans!!! GoGo Penguin's music is based on a European, classical background, the progressive sensibilities of techno pioneers Ashura (Temple), Manuel Göttsching, and Klaus Schulze, the rhythmic uplift of techno and house, drum 'n' bass, dubstep, jazz, and even contemporary music, minimalism like Eno, and ambient music like the late Ryuichi Sakamoto and the much-anticipated Tigran Hamasyan. It also includes influences from rock acts like Ladyhead and Massive Attack. They're simply an incredibly cool band! From a well-known Japanese critic to cutting-edge musicians with sharp, refined skills, they're garnering attention from connoisseurs as one of the most sought-after groups to see live. If you're wondering whether they can perform such flawless programming live, this live album will leave you speechless and amazed. Starting with sketches created in sequencing software, the band's creative process is more like that of a trackmaker than a musician. They assemble complex phrases via laptop, unearthing complexities that would be impossible to come up with through a regular studio session. Tracing these into a piano trio format, they create a dynamic unattainable through programming. They also incorporate improvisation, effortlessly orchestrating a seamless ensemble with a level of technique that seems almost impossible for a human to achieve. They then perform this live, showcasing each member's skill and vast repertoire. Meanwhile, as the band members have stated, "we don't use technique for technique's sake," their honed ensemble is underpinned by a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the possibilities of live performance and completely eschewing the use of programmed instruments. Even the finer details, from the human-powered drum & bass to the glitchy noises at the end of each performance, are recreated live. While there are occasional moments that sound like the needle skips, that's just how the performance is. It's no exaggeration to say that this rhythm section is at the pinnacle of excellence. John's virtuoso technique is as precise as a machine, and his wildness, emphasizing the live feel, makes it impossible to stop listening... And what's even more exciting is the superb sound quality, revealing every last detail of the drums! The technique and playing style of the drums and bass have grown immensely in recent years compared to the other instruments, and Nick and John's playing has evolved even further since their Japan performance three months ago! Meanwhile, Chris, the pillar of Penguin, plays piano at its finest. His lyrical and romantic playing seems to strike the heartstrings directly! GoGo Penguin, which emerged to replace E.S.T., whose history came to an end with the death of Esbjörn Svensson, is the piano trio, or rather, the music, you should be listening to right now!
$50 off your first order over $150 - Code"2SJKFRTS73YV"
Free Shipping on Every Order!
