Geordie Jazz Fusion ensemble Knats have released the official live performance video for “7 Bridges To Burn,” captured at the BBC North East & Cumbria Studios. The piece serves as the opening track to their second full-length record, “A Great Day In Newcastle.”
Watch the live performance video for “7 Bridges To Burn” via the YouTube player below:
Formed in Newcastle upon Tyne by childhood friends Stan Woodward (bass guitar/synths) and King David Ike-Elechi (drums/percussion), Knats have built a distinct musical identity dubbed “Geordie Jazz.” Their sound intersects Progressive Jazz Fusion, rock, punk elements, and spoken-word poetry. The current lineup features trumpeter Ferg Kilsby, keyboardist Sandro Shar, tenor saxophonist George Johnson, and vocalist/poet Cooper Robson.
Unlike much of the album’s material, “7 Bridges To Burn” was written and arranged by pianist Josh Mitchell-Rayner. Serving as an overture to the album’s broader narrative, the track establishes the tension and intricate instrumental dynamics that define the band’s live performance style. The newly released session footage at BBC North East & Cumbria highlights the group’s tight rhythmic drive and collective improvisation in a studio environment.
Produced by Geordie Greep, “A Great Day In Newcastle” documents working-class life in the North East of England. The album addresses dark socio-cultural themes, including substance abuse, crime, and toxic masculinity, balanced against northern optimism.
The release follows a landmark period for the Newcastle group, marked by a nomination for the Mercury Prize 2026 and winning Parliamentary Jazz Ensemble of the Year. Following their debut album “Knats” in 2025 and international festival appearances at Montreux Jazz Festival and SXSW, Knats continue to expand their profile across the UK and European Progressive and Contemporary Jazz circuits.
Purchase “A Great Day In Newcastle” on Bandcamp: https://knats.bandcamp.com/album/a-great-day-in-newcastle
Tracklist:
01. 7 Bridges to Burn 02:44
02. Gainsborough Grove 01:50
03. Wor Jackie 05:41
04. Messy-In 05:41
05. Azure Blues 05:09
06. Bigg Market Scrappa 02:44
07. Carpet Doctor 04:54
08. Never Gonna be a Boxer 06:12
09. Farewell Johnny Miner 05:41
Lineup:
Cooper Robson / Vocals
Stanley Elvis Woodward, King David Ike-Elechi, Ferg Kilsby / Vocals (Track 9)
Stanley Elvis Woodward / Bass Guitar and Synths
King David Ike-Elechi / Drums and Percussion
Ferg Kilsby / Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Sandro Shargarodsky / Piano, Keyboards, Synthesiser
George Johnson / Tenor Saxophone
Otto Kampa / Alto Saxophone
Tom Ford / Guitar
Geordie Greep / Guitar (Tracks 4 and 7)
Josh Mitchell-Rayner /Piano (Track 1)
Viviane Ghiglino / Flute (Track 1)
Lucy Rowan / Alto Flute (Track 1)
Frank Barr / Clarinet (Track 1)
Sebastian Barley / French Horn (Track 1)
Tobias Amadio / Trumpet (Track 1)
Bertie Beaman / Trombone (Track 1)
Dillon Pinder / Trombone (Track 9)
Enya Barber / Violin
Congling Wu / Violin
Natalia Solis Paredes / Viola
Morgan Key / Cello
— About Knats —
Knats are a Newcastle-upon-Tyne Jazz Fusion group led by bassist Stan Woodward and drummer King David Ike-Elechi alongside trumpeter Ferg Kilsby, keyboardist Sandro Shar, saxophonist George Johnson, and poet Cooper Robson. Fusing complex structural arrangements with danceable grooves, Rock intensity, and regional narrative storytelling, the band has emerged as one of the most compelling forces in modern British Progressive Jazz