GoGo Penguin - the instrumental trio from Manchester, England - have fielded plaudits and rave reviews for inspiration and originality at every turn since 2013. GoGo Penguin’s music has always defied categorization. In their sound, there have been detectable traces of latterday developments in jazz, such as Sweden’s free-thinking Esbjörn Svensson Trio (aka EST), or minimalist classical composers like Steve Reich, John Adams, even Erik Satie. After that prestigious Mercury nomination for 2014’s v2.0 album, Chris, Nick and Rob worked hard, consolidating their musical bond across a further two albums, which were written and recorded while juggling hectic touring commitments. For GoGo Penguin - their fourth album together (and the third to be released by the legendary Blue Note label…

GoGo Penguin's genre-bending, EDM-influenced brand of jazz has earned the Manchester-based trio plaudits, including being shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2014. The band's fourth studio album, and second for Blue Note, 2018's atmospheric A Humdrum Star, finds them delving even deeper into an electronic-influenced sound that favors texture and mood over standards or jazz-based elements. Once again featured are bassist Nick Blacka, pianist Chris Illingworth, and drummer Rob Turner. Working with producers Joe Reiser and Brendan Williams, the trio offers a set of original compositions rife with skittering breakbeats, roiling piano melodies, and warm acoustic bass grooves. It's a style that seems informed as much by the computer-based production of Four Tet, and Amon Tobin as the hypnotic classical compositions of Philip Glass and the '70s jazz of Keith Jarrett…

Hopeful is a spectacularly vibrant, historically monumental, and masterfully synchronized contemporary electro-funk and nu-jazz studio masterpiece engineered by the legendary French instrumental vanguard collective Electro Deluxe, released in 2007 by the independent creative preservation imprint Such Production. Spanning over 62 minutes of deeply infectious, heavily syncopated organic-digital interactions across 13 definitive tracking alignments, this high-fidelity document serves as an absolute peak monument in mid-2000s European groove archaeology. Marking their sophomore studio ledger following the groundbreaking success of Stardown, the core rhythm engine of Electro Deluxe utilizes this expansive sonic laboratory to execute a fierce, forward-thinking blueprint that seamlessly fuses horn-driven old-school funk power with crisp synthesizer arrays, slick urban hip-hop loops, and soul-stirring vocal architectures.

Play is a spectacularly explosive, historically monumental, and masterfully synchronized contemporary electro-funk and nu-jazz studio masterpiece engineered by the legendary French instrumental vanguard collective Electro Deluxe, released in 2010 by their independent artist-led preservation imprint Collectif Soul Gang. Spanning over 67 minutes of deeply infectious, heavily syncopated organic-digital interactions across 14 definitive tracking alignments, this high-fidelity document serves as an absolute peak monument in early-2010s urban groove archaeology. Marking a grand, forward-thinking evolution in their sonic blueprint, the core rhythm engine of Electro Deluxe masterfully bridges explosive, old-school live horn-driven funk and classic jazz instrumentation with slick electronic sampling, boom-bap hip-hop breakbeats, and sophisticated acid-jazz matrices.

The sophomore leader date from Norwegian trumpeter, composer, and sonic architect Nils Petter Molvaer marks a definitive and historically crucial turning point in the late-twentieth-century evolution of electro-acoustic fusion. Released via the esteemed ECM Records imprint, this landmark conceptual production expands brilliantly upon the pioneering structures of his debut, seamlessly dissolving the lines that traditionally separate live contemporary jazz improvisation from hyper-modern underground electronic rhythms. Molvaer surrounds his fragile, heavily mutated trumpet phrasing—frequently filtered through an array of digital delays, harmonizers, and vocoders—with an imposing, industrialized rhythmic framework built out of dark ambient synthesizers, precise turntablism, aggressive loops, and deep drum-and-bass grooves. The resulting soundscapes alternate effortlessly between moments of stark, meditative vulnerability and heavy sonic tension, delivering a deeply influential masterwork that redefines the parameters of modern Scandinavian future-jazz design.

Shake! by Black Market Audio is a playful and stylish fusion of retro lounge aesthetics, funky breakbeats, surf-inspired instrumentals, and cinematic electronic grooves. Released in 2006 on Supertracks Records, the album delivers a colorful listening experience packed with quirky rhythms, vintage textures, and infectious energy. Drawing inspiration from spy movie soundtracks, exotic lounge music, and modern nu-jazz production, Black Market Audio crafts an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Tracks move effortlessly between funky bass-driven cuts, upbeat big beat rhythms, smooth vibraphone passages, and humorous experimental moments, creating a dynamic and entertaining flow throughout the album. Songs like “Waikiki Secret Service,” “Bombay Beatclub,” and “Sputnik Cafe” showcase the project’s ability to blend cool lounge sophistication with dancefloor-friendly grooves. Rich with personality and creative production ideas, Shake! stands as an enjoyable release for fans of eclectic downtempo music, cinematic funk, and retro-inspired electronic soundscapes.

Palace Lounge Presents Café D'Afrique Volume 3 is a sophisticated lounge and downtempo compilation released by Savoy Jazz in 2007, bringing together a stylish blend of chillout grooves, smooth house rhythms, jazzy atmospheres, and world-inspired electronic textures. Designed for relaxed listening environments, the collection captures the elegant spirit of modern lounge culture with a carefully selected lineup of international artists and producers. The compilation moves effortlessly between soulful vocal tracks, mellow electronic beats, deep house influences, and atmospheric instrumental arrangements. Highlights include the warm soulful presence of Corinne Bailey Rae with the New Mastersounds, the dreamy electronic soundscapes of Christian Falk featuring Robyn, and the refined groove-oriented productions from artists such as Samantha James and Schwarz And Funk. The album creates a cosmopolitan mood ideal for late-night listening, upscale lounge settings, or relaxing background music. With its polished production and smooth transitions between styles, Café D'Afrique Volume 3 stands as a refined showcase of contemporary lounge, downtempo, and jazzy house music from the mid-2000s era.

Paradisiac 3 is a curated lounge and smooth jazz compilation released by Universal Licensing Music, designed as a relaxed and cosmopolitan listening journey. Spanning two discs, the collection blends downtempo grooves, Latin influences, soft jazz improvisations, ambient textures, and world music elements into a cohesive atmospheric experience. The track selection brings together internationally recognized artists such as Zero 7, Roy Ayers, Paco De Lucía, Ian Pooley, and José Padilla, alongside lesser-known electronic and jazz contributors. The first disc leans toward Mediterranean and Latin-inspired lounge aesthetics with warm acoustic instrumentation and gentle rhythmic flow, while the second disc incorporates more electronic downtempo, nu-jazz, and chilled club influences. Across both discs, the compilation emphasizes smooth transitions, melodic softness, and relaxed sonic textures ideal for background listening or sophisticated lounge environments. Overall, Paradisiac 3 reflects early 2000s café culture and chill-out music trends, offering a refined blend of jazz, electronic, and world-inspired sounds.

Forward is an eclectic and groove-driven release by TM Juke that blends broken beat, acid jazz, downtempo, and funk into a richly textured instrumental and vocal experience. Released on the respected Tru Thoughts label, the album reflects the label’s signature fusion of organic musicianship and modern electronic production. TM Juke combines warm basslines, jazzy horn arrangements, soulful melodies, and intricate rhythmic programming to create a sound that feels both relaxed and deeply rhythmic. The album moves fluidly between mellow downtempo atmospheres and more energetic funk-oriented compositions, maintaining a strong sense of musical progression throughout. Influences from hip-hop production, jazz improvisation, and electronic beat culture are woven together with smooth transitions and layered instrumentation. Tracks such as “Come Away” and “Life, Rain, Fall” highlight the album’s cinematic and soulful qualities, while shorter interludes add texture and continuity. Forward stands as a refined example of mid-2000s nu-jazz and broken beat experimentation.

Tape Five is an international studio project based in Germany created by multi-instrumentalist songwriter-producer Martin Strathausen. Tape Five combines a variety of styles and influences: The focus on Swing or Electro-Swing, but also Bossanova, Latin, Soul and NuJazz with their very own vivid retro interpretation in a classy way. For years, Tape Five has expanding global record sales and millions of Spotify streams, it´s albums frequently appear in the top 40 charts of the big international online-retailers… Selected songs can be found on about a thousand compilations (“Café del Mar”, “Campari Lounge”, “Swing Mania” and many more), they can be heard on Ad-campaigns from Spain and Hongkong to the USA and are playlisted on countless radio stations.

Chill Jazz Sessions is a refined double-disc compilation that blends the smooth textures of jazz with modern electronic influences, delivering a laid-back yet rhythmically engaging listening experience. Released in 2009, the album captures the essence of nu jazz and deep house fusion, where soulful melodies meet downtempo grooves and subtle club energy. Across both discs, the selection moves effortlessly between lounge atmospheres, jazzy improvisations, and chilled house beats, making it ideal for both relaxed environments and late-night sessions. Artists featured on the compilation contribute a diverse palette of sounds, from classic jazz reinterpretations to contemporary electronic compositions enriched with warm instrumentation and atmospheric layering. The seamless flow between tracks highlights the compilation’s curated nature, offering a cohesive journey through stylish, sophisticated soundscapes that appeal to fans of both traditional jazz and modern electronic music.

On January 23rd they shared the powerful new song Call To The Void the title track from their new EP, with the tunes incessant anthemic groove taking its inspiration from from the darker, untamed side within us all.

“Fashion Music: The Lounge Edition” is a wide-ranging four-disc compilation that explores modern lounge culture through a stylish blend of nu jazz, acid jazz, pop, soul, and electronic influences. Released in 2013 by Wagram, the collection is structured around four thematic cities—London Trendy, New York Crazy, Milan Sexy, and Paris Chic—each representing a distinct musical atmosphere and urban identity. Across more than four hours of music, the compilation features a carefully selected lineup of international artists, combining downtempo grooves, soulful vocals, hip-hop influenced rhythms, and electronic textures. The London disc leans toward experimental and indie-lounge sounds, while New York emphasizes funk, hip-hop, and urban jazz energy. Milan brings a smoother, more soulful and romantic tone, and Paris focuses on sophisticated electronic and cinematic vibes. The result is a cohesive yet diverse listening experience that reflects contemporary lounge aesthetics with strong stylistic variation and curated flow.

At the beginning of the 2000s, a new wave of music spilled into the cocktail bars and lounge music was born. The band DePhazz quickly became the insider tip darling of television and radio editors, who liked to put the band's retro-electronic sounds on heavy rotation among their lifestyle and news reports and thus enveloped the entire nation in an aesthetic carpet of sound. Through numerous samplers such as "Buddha Bar" or "Cafe del Mar", songs like The Mambo Craze reached the whole world. The DePhazz sound traveled around the globe, whether to the backpacker hostel to Nepal or to the dissident meeting place in Novosibirsk.