Newcastle Upon Tyne-based modern jazz titans Knats have had a huge year. Beyond playing the BBC Proms, Jazz Refreshed and the Jazz Cafe, they’ve acted as R&B legend Eddie Chacon’s backing band on a UK tour, and supported Black Midi frontman Geordie Greeep on a solo tour. Their live energy is infectious and unpredictable, finding a middle ground between sophistication, chaos, complexity and danceability. They may be active in London, but this isn’t London jazz - there are notes of funk, Latin, drum & bass and classical music woven into their sound. Their studio endeavours have been equally fruitful, as the band released their debut self-titled debut album back in March. It’s filled with tributes to their loved ones, with the darkness of ‘Se7en’ dedicated to Stan Woodward’s dad, and the West African percussion breaks of ‘Adaeze’ paying tribute to King David-Ike Elechi’s late sister. They’re a trailblazing band with a lot more to prove in 2026. -Dan Peeke