Biography
GoGo Penguin is a British jazz trio formed in Manchester, England, in 2012. The group originally consisted of pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Rob Turner, with Jon Scott joining as drummer in 2021 after Rob Turner's departure. Their sound is characterized by a fusion of jazz, classical, and electronic influences, blending break-beat rhythms, minimalist piano melodies, and powerful basslines to create an acoustic-electronica hybrid that is both innovative and emotionally resonant[1][2][4].
The band quickly gained recognition for their exhilarating live performances and unique musical style, drawing inspiration from artists such as Aphex Twin, Massive Attack, Brian Eno, Debussy, Shostakovich, and the Esbjörn Svensson Trio (EST)[1][4]. Their debut album, 'Fanfares,' received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the World Wide Awards. Subsequent albums, including 'v2.0,' 'Man Made Object,' and 'A Humdrum Star,' further established their reputation, with 'v2.0' earning a Mercury Prize nomination in 2014[4]. GoGo Penguin's ability to synthesize elements from classical, jazz, and electronica has made them a standout act in the contemporary jazz scene.
Throughout their career, GoGo Penguin has toured internationally, performing at major festivals such as Coachella, Fuji Rock, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, and selling out iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall[2]. Their legacy lies in their innovative approach to jazz, pushing the boundaries of genre and instrumentation, and inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore the intersection of acoustic and electronic music[4][2].
Fun Facts
- The band's name was chosen spontaneously for a last-minute gig; it was inspired by a papier-mâché penguin in their rehearsal room[2].
- GoGo Penguin's music often features acoustic instruments played in ways that mimic electronic genres like drum and bass and trip hop[2][4].
- Their album 'v2.0' was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2014[4].
- They have performed at major international festivals including Coachella, Fuji Rock, and Montreal Jazz Festival[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Royal Northern College of Music Faculty - Chris Illingworth studied piano and composition at RNCM, receiving classical training that shaped the band's harmonic and melodic approach. (Early compositions and improvisational style) [pre-2012]
Key Collaborators
- Chris Illingworth - Founding member, pianist, and composer; central to the band's melodic and harmonic development. (All GoGo Penguin albums) [2012–present]
- Nick Blacka - Joined in 2012, bassist; contributed to the band's cohesive sound and rhythmic foundation. (All GoGo Penguin albums since 2012) [2012–present]
- Rob Turner - Original drummer, helped define the band's break-beat style. (Fanfares, v2.0, Man Made Object, A Humdrum Star) [2012–2021]
- Jon Scott - Current drummer, brought new energy and direction to the band. (Everything Is Going to Be OK) [2021–present]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary UK Jazz Artists - GoGo Penguin's blend of jazz and electronica has inspired younger UK jazz musicians to experiment with genre fusion. (Emerging works in UK jazz scene) [2014–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Necessary Fictions | 2025-06-20 | Album |
| v2.0 (Deluxe Edition) | 2014-03-17 | Album |
| Everything Is Going to Be OK | 2023-04-14 | Album |
| GoGo Penguin | 2020-06-12 | Album |
| From the North - GoGo Penguin Live in Manchester | 2024-04-05 | Album |
| A Humdrum Star | 2018-02-09 | Album |
| Man Made Object (Deluxe) | 2016-02-05 | Album |
| A Humdrum Star (Deluxe) | 2018-02-09 | Album |
| Man Made Object | 2016-02-05 | Album |
| Man Made Object (Deluxe) | 2016-02-05 | Album |
| GGP/RMX | 2021-05-07 | Album |
| Fanfares | 2012-11-19 | Album |
| Live from Studio 2 | 2020-11-27 | Album |
| Man Made Object (Deluxe) | 2016-01-27 | Album |
| A Humdrum Star | 2018-02-09 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Hopopono (v2.0 (Deluxe Edition))
- Forgive the Damages (feat. Daudi Matsiko)
- Murmuration (v2.0 (Deluxe Edition))
- What We Are and What We Are Meant to Be
- Branches Break (Man Made Object (Deluxe))
- Luminous Giants (feat. Rakhi Singh & Manchester Collective) (Necessary Fictions)
- Umbra (Necessary Fictions)
- Saturnine (Everything Is Going to Be OK)
- Fallowfield Loops (Necessary Fictions)
- Don’t Go (GoGo Penguin)
External Links
Tags: #electronica, #fusion, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
GoGo Penguin has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2025 | 08:44 | Wave Decayfrom From the North - GoGo Penguin Live in Manchester | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire | |
| Oct 10, 2025 | 07:09 | The Turn Withinfrom Necessary Fictions | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Sep 19, 2025 | 08:03 | Umbrafrom Necessary Fictions | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive |