Artist page · 06/07/2026

GoGo Penguin

ManchesterFormed in 2009Ambient6 vinyl albums
GoGo Penguin is a Manchester-based jazz trio formed in 2009, known for a unique fusion of jazz, electronica, and ambient music that blends progressive and contemporary jazz styles.
6Albums on Vinyles.com
114Discogs releases
266kLast.fm listeners

About

GoGo Penguin, Manchester’s jazz trio blending nu jazz and ambient textures.

Seven vinyl albums from Blue Note and XXIM Records; contemporary jazz explorations with strong audiophile appeal.

Emerging from the Manchester jazz scene, GoGo Penguin consists of pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott. Their sound combines elements of jazz fusion, nu jazz, and ambient music, characterized by intricate rhythms and melodic piano lines paired with powerful bass and engaging riffs. Their catalog includes seven vinyl albums released mainly on the Blue Note and XXIM Records labels, showcasing a progression from early works like "Man Made Object" to recent releases such as "Necessary Fictions".

Their compositions explore electronic and jazz genres with influences from contemporary jazz and film music, reflected in projects like "Ocean In A Drop (Music For Film)".

Discography

GoGo Penguin — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Necessary FictionsXXIM Records · 2025
2025
Necessary Fictions
CD, Album
Studio
GGP/RMXBlue Note · 2021
2021
GGP/RMX
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
GoGo PenguinBlue Note · 2020
2020
GoGo Penguin
CD, Album
Studio
A Humdrum StarBlue Note · 2018
2018
A Humdrum Star
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Man Made ObjectBlue Note · 2016
2016
Man Made Object
CD, Album
Studio
v2.0Gondwana Records · 2014
2014
v2.0
CD, Album
Studio
FanfaresGondwana Records · 2012
2012
Fanfares
CD, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up GoGo Penguin's career.

01
Hopopono
Hopopono
v2.0 · 2014
02
Murmuration
Murmuration
v2.0 · 2014
03
Garden Dog Barbecue
Garden Dog Barbecue
v2.0 · 2014
04
Branches Break
Branches Break
Man Made Object · 2016
05
Kamaloka
Kamaloka
v2.0 · 2014
06
All Res
All Res
Man Made Object · 2016
07
Raven
Raven
A Humdrum Star · 2018
08
Bardo
Bardo
A Humdrum Star · 2018

The essentials

The 3 GoGo Penguin albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2016
LP, Album, Stereo
Man Made Object

This album marked a breakthrough with its contemporary jazz expression, offering ten tracks that highlight the trio’s intricate interplay and melodic depth.

10 tracksReleased on Blue NoteStereo pressingMultiple European pressings
#2 · 2021
Vinyl, LP, Album
GGP/RMX

A remix album featuring reinterpretations by various artists, revealing different dimensions of GoGo Penguin’s sound within jazz fusion and electronic contexts.

11 tracksBlue Note labelOriginal and reissue pressingsEuropean releases
#3 · 2025
LP, Album, Stereo
Necessary Fictions

The latest studio album on XXIM Records, expanding the band’s sound with breakbeat and electronic jazz influences across 12 tracks.

12 tracksReleased in EuropeStereo formatAvailable original pressing

Go further

Artists similar to GoGo Penguin

Artists who share part of GoGo Penguin's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of GoGo Penguin

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Their rhythms are unpredictable, and melodies contagious, synthesizing jazz and electronica into a distinct sound."
— Chris Illingworth
01Origin

Formation in Manchester, 2009

GoGo Penguin formed in Manchester in 2009, establishing themselves with a unique blend of progressive jazz, electronica, and ambient sounds.

2009Manchester
02Label

Blue Note partnership

The trio released several albums under the Blue Note label, including 2016's "Man Made Object" and 2021's "GGP/RMX", reinforcing their presence in contemporary jazz.

2016Europe
03Vinyl pressing

"Necessary Fictions" original 2025 stereo LP

"Necessary Fictions" was pressed on vinyl in Europe in 2025 by XXIM Records, featuring a stereo LP format with the catalog number 19802899701 and currently available with tracked prices around 20 €.

2025Europe
04Live

Live album recorded in Manchester

"From the North - GoGo Penguin Live in Manchester" captures a 2024 concert from the band’s hometown, showcasing their dynamic live performance energy.

2024Manchester

CDs by GoGo Penguin

Search all GoGo Penguin CDs

FAQ

FAQ: GoGo Penguin on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who are the members of GoGo Penguin?

The trio consists of pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott, all based in Manchester, UK.

Which record labels released GoGo Penguin’s vinyl albums?

The majority of GoGo Penguin’s vinyl releases are on Blue Note and XXIM Records.

What genres does GoGo Penguin's music blend?

They blend jazz, electronica, ambient, and contemporary jazz fusion elements.

How many vinyl albums does GoGo Penguin have?

They have seven vinyl albums available, spanning from their early works to recent releases.

Are GoGo Penguin vinyl pressings available in Europe?

Yes, many pressings including recent albums like "Necessary Fictions" are released in Europe with documented pricing and availability.

Is GoGo Penguin associated with any live albums on vinyl?

Yes, "From the North - GoGo Penguin Live in Manchester" is a live album on vinyl released in 2024, capturing their stage presence.

What is the typical price range for GoGo Penguin vinyl albums?

Prices range roughly from 15 € to 35 €, depending on the album, edition, and availability.

How does GoGo Penguin’s music suit audiophile vinyl listening?

The band's detailed production, dynamic range, and use of stereo formats enhance the vinyl listening experience for audiophiles.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 06/07/2026