The Kyle Simpson Jazz Collective

Formed in 2015, The Kyle Simpson Jazz Collective (KSJC) is a Pittsburgh-based jazz group founded by Kyle Simpson. The KSJC is not only a group that delves into the rich repertoire of established and treasured jazz, but also tries to promote contemporary jazz by featuring music written by new artists. Furthermore, the group hopes to draw upon different styles/artists and pull them into the jazz-mix; particularly artists such as Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, Bjork, and Igor Stravinsky, to name a few. In 2016, the KSJC released their first album, entitled Something In Between. Much of the album featured original compositions by Kyle Simpson. Pittsburgh City Pages reviewed the album saying that the musical settings “reveal a rich harmonic sense that recalls Gil Evans’ adventurous work.” Through the juxtaposition of important work from the time-honored jazz artists with that of the artists of tomorrow; it is the hope that the KSJC can in some small part highlight that jazz is a living, breathing, evolving art form that defies conventions and takes constant re-evaluation.