Led by by Melbourne saxophonist Josh Kelly, who also is a member of the future soul-jazz collective 30/70, the JK Group has recently released their incredible debut album, titled The Young Ones on La Sape Records.

The latest in a string of brilliant recordings to have recently come out of the Melbourne region, this fourteen-track album features a fusion of improvisational instrumentation and fiery solos, with spacey electronics, cosmic atmospheric tones, and funky percussion grooves. The music is rooted in jazz traditions while also leaning forward and taking a more futuristic or what some call a “nu-jazz” approach.

On this recording, Kelly is backed by a superb cast of Melbourne musicians, including longtime collaborators and the rhythm section for 30/70, bassist Matt Hayes and drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist (who also leads Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange). The group also features phenomenal keyboardist, synth player and producer Lewis Moody (member of Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange & Sex on Toast). The session also includes a number of special guests including trumpeter and vocalist Audrey Powne, pianist James Bowers, and percussionist Javier Fredes. Many of these artists are also widely featured on Brownswood’s breakthrough 2019 compilation Sunny Side Up (named BeatCaffeine’s Compilation of the Year).

Overall, Josh Kelly and company have released a remarkable album, and certainly one of the best debut’s of the year. I feel like this recording will continue to make waves globally as it receives more exposure.
Highly recommended!

JK Group — ‘The Young Ones’
(La Sape Records)

1. Seeds
2. Lennie
3. Jazz Muggle
4. Pender Street
5. Nutha One
6. Truth, Knowledge, Bliss
7. Jazz Trip
8. Satchidananda
9. Young One
10. Ciggie Chats
11. 23
12. Fitchie
13. Seeds (Reprise)
14. Much Love

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