Live at Le Crescent Kneebody

• 1 Spectra (Live) 08:51
• 2 Drum Battle (Live) 11:51
• 3 Just To Be (Live) 09:40
• 4 The Non-Profit Prince of Lexington (Live) 10:54
• 5 Uprising (Live) 11:56
• Total Runtime 53:12

Info zu Live at Le Crescent

A brand new live recording from firebrand US-based collective Kneebody - one of the most adventurous and exciting bands of their generation, known for their sheer virtuosity and musicianship.

In October 2019, Kneebody (featuring cornerstones of the New York jazz scene Ben Wendel, Nate Wood, Shane Endsley and Adam Benjamin) released their debut album on Edition Records, "Chapters." The all-encompassing and powerhouse record that mixes deep grooves and deft melodies was adventurous, exuberant and above all, powerful; music for a new generation from a band with a committed and distinctive sound alongside an all-star guest-list of collaborators including Gretchen Parlato, Josh Dion, Becca Stevens, Gerald Clayton and Michael Mayo.

Following the success of Chapters and whilst on tour in Europe, the group played to a sold-out audience at Le Crescent in France. Performing music from their last album and firm favourites from their back catalogue, 'Kneebody: Live at Le Crescent' is vibrant and commands your attention with surprises at every turn. Everything about their musical signature is on display: displaced beats, infectious riffs and haunting unison horns blended with affecting solos and an unmatched confidence.

Playing live is what makes Kneebody, Kneebody. Some of their earliest albums were recorded on lo-fi equipment from the back of club rooms, but ‘Live at Le Crescent’ brings fans up-to-date with a new instalment for 2022 and reminds us that this is a group that does not stand still.

Ben Wendel, saxophone, effects
Shane Endsley, trumpet, effects
Adam Benjamin, keyboards
Nate Wood, drums, bass

Recorded by Antoine Guyonnard at Le Crescent Jazz Club, Mâcon, France
Mixed and mastered by Nate Wood

Kneebody
In their almost two-decade history, the Grammy-nominated band Kneebody has created a genre and style all its own. Their sound is an explosive blend of rock energy and high-level, nuanced chamber ensemble playing, set within the frames of highly wrought compositions that balance adventurous, no-holds-barred improvisation.

Now, in 2025, Kneebody embarks on an exciting new chapter with the release of their highly anticipated album, Reach, set to drop on April 18 via GroundUP Music. This marks the band's latest project as a quartet, featuring keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel, and the uniquely dynamic Nate Wood, who simultaneously handles both bass and drums. Reach exemplifies Kneebody’s continued evolution, pushing the boundaries of genre while delivering their signature blend of intricate composition and raw energy.

The album’s lead single, "Repeat After Me," is already available for streaming, giving audiences a first taste of Kneebody’s refined yet adventurous approach. Saxophonist Ben Wendel describes the track as a "cheeky song" that channels a Morse code-inspired melody through shifting harmonies and groove-driven intensity. With Reach, the band showcases their ability to weave together complex rhythmic structures, fiery improvisations, and a profound sense of collective synergy.

Kneebody’s journey began in their late teens at the Eastman School of Music and CalArts, where they formed deep musical connections that ultimately converged into the band’s distinctive voice amid the vibrant Los Angeles music scene in 2001. Since then, they have garnered critical acclaim and built a dedicated international following. Their music defies classification, drawing from influences that include 1960s free-bop, 1970s jazz rock, 1990s hip-hop, and post-millennial indie rock, all infused with a classical post-minimalist sensibility.

Throughout their career, Kneebody has continuously innovated, earning a Grammy nomination for their 2009 collaboration with Theo Bleckmann on 12 Songs of Charles Ives. They have released a series of boundary-pushing albums, from The Line (2013) on Concord Records to Kneedelus (2015), a groundbreaking collaboration with electronic artist Daedelus on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label. Their discography also includes Anti-Hero (2017, Motéma Music), By Fire (2019), and Chapters (2019), their first full-length release as a quartet, featuring collaborations with Becca Stevens, Gretchen Parlato, Michael Mayo, Gerald Clayton, and Josh Dion.

With Reach, Kneebody is not just releasing an album—they are signaling a new era for the band. As they prepare to take the new music on the road, fans can expect an electrifying tour filled with their signature unpredictable energy, tight interplay, and spontaneous musical risk-taking. With a legacy of innovation and a future that continues to defy expectations, Kneebody remains at the forefront of modern creative music.

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