NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND / Cape May Convention Hall / Sunday, Oct 25, 11:30 am
The Story
By skillfully melding together elements of hip-hop, Afrobeat, House and Afro-Cuban with a traditional blues and swing feel, the modernist, highly interactive trio of saxophonist Abdias Armenteros, bassist Sebastian Rios and drummer TJ Reddick (connectively known as New Jazz Underground) is exploring some fresh new territory in contemporary music. Originally formed in 2020 by playing in New York City parks during COVID-19 lockdown, the three Juilliard grads subsequently gained viral YouTube fame through a series of videos documenting their at-home rehearsals for material on EPs like 2023’s The MF DOOM SUiTE, 2024’s Harlem to Havana and 2025’s Dying of Thirst: The Kendrick Lamar Suite. Their full-length album debut, Hoodies, was released in May of 2026 on Artwork Records to critical acclaim. As Thom Jurek of AllMusic.com noted: “Hoodies is as fine and brave a modern jazz record as exists. Its depth, compositional quality, and modern jazz language will excite the initiated and attract a legion of new listeners.”
The Sound
From the relaxed and moody ballad “Ghosts” to the infectious groover “Oney Ones One” to the mesmerizing 12/8 vehicle “Sidetracked” and the uptempo swinger, “Atonement,” the dynamic New Jazz Underground brings an admirable command of their instruments along with an element of surprise. Armenteros’ soulful vocals on “Sake of Love” and the moaning blues of “How do you do” elevate the proceedings while his robust tenor sax blowing on “I had to let uu go” adds layers of depth. And for something a bit edgier there’s “Hold My Halo (Paint Me Perfectly)” and “hoodieJig.” Expect them to further explore the African diaspora through an urban street culture lens and a decidedly loose-tight aesthetic in their Exit Zero Jazz Festival debut.
