Jazz Sabbath

Biography

Jazz Sabbath is a fictional English jazz trio created in 2020 by Adam Wakeman, a touring keyboardist and guitarist known for his work with Black Sabbath (2004–2017) and Ozzy Osbourne. The band's elaborate backstory claims it originated in the late 1960s UK jazz scene, led by pianist Milton Keanes (a character portrayed by Wakeman). According to the lore, Jazz Sabbath recorded two albums in 1969, but the second was abandoned due to legal disputes, and the first was shelved after Keanes suffered a heart attack and hospitalization. Upon his release in September 1970, Keanes discovered that Black Sabbath from Birmingham had allegedly stolen and metalized their songs, with all evidence destroyed in a warehouse fire tied to label fraud.[1][2][3][4]

The project began in 2013 when Wakeman improvised jazz versions of Black Sabbath songs at a hotel bar piano, later developing the Milton Keanes character and backstory. A mockumentary released on YouTube in February 2020 introduced the band, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Black Sabbath's debut album. This led to the release of their actual debut album on April 10, 2020, featuring jazz renditions of Black Sabbath classics, followed by Vol. 2 in 2022 and 1968 Tapes in November 2024. Both initial albums charted on the Billboard Jazz Chart, with mono Record Store Day editions, and the band has toured worldwide presenting their 'original' compositions.[3][4][5]

Jazz Sabbath's musical style blends sophisticated jazz improvisation—drawing from the late '60s UK underground scene—with Black Sabbath's heavy riffs, reimagined through piano, bass, drums, and guests. Though satirical, it has earned praise from rock and jazz critics for its musicianship, sparking debate among fans while highlighting Wakeman's versatility. The project's legacy lies in its humorous 'exposure' of Black Sabbath as plagiarists in fiction, reviving interest in jazz-metal crossovers.[1][6][7]

Fun Facts

• The project originated from Adam Wakeman spontaneously playing jazz versions of Black Sabbath songs on a hotel bar piano late one night in 2013, leading to the full concept.[4]
• A mockumentary featuring cameos from Rick Wakeman, Trevor Rabin, and others gained viral attention and media coverage, including controversy among Black Sabbath fans.[3][5][8]
• Band members and guests use fictional 1960s pseudonyms on albums to maintain the lore that they are the 'original' Jazz Sabbath trio.[4]
• Albums received rave reviews from both jazz and rock critics, with special mono vinyl releases for Record Store Day.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rick Wakeman - Father of creator Adam Wakeman, renowned Yes keyboardist who appears in the mockumentary (Jazz Sabbath The Documentary) [2020]

Key Collaborators

• Ash Soan - Drummer (known for Adele) (Jazz Sabbath albums (under 1960s pseudonym)) [2020-2024]
• Jerry Meehan - Bassist (known for Robbie Williams) (Jazz Sabbath albums (under 1960s pseudonym)) [2020-2024]
• Jack Tustin - Bassist (Jazz Sabbath albums (under 1960s pseudonym)) [2020-2024]
• Gus G - Guest guitarist (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) (Jazz Sabbath albums (under 1960s pseudonym)) [2020-2022]
• Simon McBride - Guest musician (Deep Purple) (Jazz Sabbath albums (under 1960s pseudonym)) [2020-2022]

External Links

• Spotify