sports

April 28, 2026

‘Geordie optimism is this rigorous spirit of hard graft’: Newcastle jazz band Knats break out of the north-south divide

While their London peers thrived, Knats faced dwindling funding. But after a Proms appearance and as they release a new album produced by Black Midi’s Geordie Greep, their confidence is high

‘Geordie optimism is this rigorous spirit of hard graft’: Newcastle jazz band Knats break out of the north-south divide

TL;DR

  • Knats originated from a defiant decision by King David-Ike Elechi and Stan Woodward to leave a music club and start their own band.
  • Their musical style blends jazz with influences from hip-hop, drum'n'bass, metal, grunge, and reggae, featuring gritty percussion and bright horns.
  • The band's lineup has expanded to include Ferg Kilsby (trumpet), George Johnson (saxophone), Sandro Shar (piano), and Cooper Robson (vocals).
  • Knats aim to counter the London-centric nature of the UK jazz scene, highlighting regional disparities in funding and opportunities.
  • Their upcoming album, 'A Great Day in Newcastle,' is produced by Geordie Greep and explores themes relevant to their upbringing, such as toxic masculinity, local pride, and resilience.
  • The band plans to eventually return to Newcastle to create a free jazz masterclass program for young people, similar to London's Tomorrow's Warriors.

Continue reading the original article