Some albums don’t just sound good – they change how you hear music altogether. Jeff Parker’s The New Breed is one of those records: a modern classic that’s been quietly shaping the conversations around jazz, experimental music, and how beats and improvisation can coexist in fresh, thrilling ways.
Now, nearly a decade after its original release, International Anthem is giving The New Breed a new lease of life with the IA11 Edition. And it’s not simply a repress; it’s a perfect moment to rediscover an album that feels as innovative, relevant, and downright enjoyable in 2025 as it did in 2016.
Whether you’re a dedicated jazz lover, a vinyl collector on the hunt for something special, or just curious about where jazz and modern beat culture collide, here are seven underrated reasons why Jeff Parker’s The New Breed deserves a fresh spin on your turntable – and possibly on your record shelf.
1. It’s Not Just Jazz – It’s an Entire New Approach to Beat-Making
First things first: The New Breed isn’t your standard jazz record.
While Parker has built a reputation as one of the most respected jazz guitarists of his generation, this album grew from his fascination with hip-hop production techniques. Instead of treating jazz as purely a live, linear experience, he brought in sampling, looping, and collage-like structures you’d expect from beat-makers.
Think sudden cuts, playful edits, and grooves that repeat like hypnotic mantras. It’s music that bridges the warmth of live improvisation with the crisp edges of modern production – and it’s one of the reasons The New Breed keeps popping up on lists of the best modern jazz albums to own on vinyl.
For listeners wary of jazz being too dense or abstract, this album is a gateway into a sound that’s as physical and immediate as it is sophisticated.
2. It’s Jazz You Can Actually Dance To (Or Daydream To Over Coffee)
A lot of jazz demands total focus. Brilliant, but sometimes not exactly casual listening. The New Breed is different.
Tracks like “Executive Life” and “Get Dressed” ride on deep, head-nodding grooves. There’s air in the arrangements, and plenty of space between the notes, giving you room to either lean in close or let it wash over you.
It’s equally at home on your speakers while you’re working, hanging out with friends, or simply enjoying a brew in your favourite café (ahem… we might know just the place).
At 12 Bar, we talk a lot about music as a companion – the soundtrack to life’s small rituals, whether that’s sipping a flat white in the morning or chatting with friends over a shared record discovery. The New Breed fits that ethos beautifully. It’s cerebral music, but it’s also undeniably soulful and approachable – the kind of album that can turn any space into somewhere worth lingering.
3. The IA11 Edition Offers a Fresh Window Into the Creative Process
Instead of simply pressing new vinyl and calling it a day, International Anthem has turned this IA11 Edition into something for fans and collectors to sink their teeth into.
You’ll find:
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A brand new 16-page booklet packed with previously unpublished photos from the sessions
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Fresh liner notes from New Breed bassist and co-producer Paul Bryan, sharing stories and insights from the making of the record
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An in-depth conversation between Jeff Parker and International Anthem co-founder Scott McNiece, offering candid reflections on the album’s impact and creative approach
It’s like getting a peek into the ideas, friendships, and experiments that shaped The New Breed. For anyone who loves discovering the stories behind the music, it’s a genuine bonus.
4. The Line-Up Reads Like a Who’s Who of LA’s Creative Underground
One of the hidden joys of The New Breed is discovering just how stellar the band is. This isn’t just a collection of sidemen—it’s a gathering of some of Los Angeles’ most innovative musicians.
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Paul Bryan (bass): Not just a rock-solid rhythm player, but a melodic thinker whose bass lines often act like counterpoint melodies.
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Josh Johnson (alto sax): Bringing warm tones and an exploratory spirit, he threads soulful riffs through Parker’s shifting grooves.
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Jamire Williams (drums): A drummer equally comfortable dropping tight hip-hop grooves or letting the music breathe with sparse textures.
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Jay Bellerose (drums): Adds a dusty, organic touch, bringing subtle swing and depth.
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Ruby Parker (vocals): Jeff’s daughter lends intimate, airy vocals that drift in like a secret message, connecting the music to family history.
Together, this line-up creates a sound that’s loose, collaborative, and deeply human. It’s music built on listening to each other – a quality that resonates with music lovers who value authenticity and connection.
5. It’s Pressed with Audiophiles in Mind (And It Sounds Gorgeous)
There’s something uniquely satisfying about hearing an album like The New Breed spin on vinyl, especially when the pressing is as carefully handled as this one.
The IA11 Edition is pressed at Pallas in Germany, renowned for high-quality vinyl production, with lacquers cut by Daniel K at SST. What does that mean for you? More detail, more presence, and that addictive warmth that makes analogue records such a joy.
Instead of feeling like a corporate sell, let’s be honest: this is the kind of record that makes you want to stay in, drop the needle, and simply lose yourself for a side or two. It’s an album that rewards the ritual of vinyl listening – pouring a drink, lowering the stylus, and lsitting back as the room fills with rich, living sound.
6. It’s the Perfect Starting Point for Exploring Jeff Parker’s Wider World
If The New Breed grabs your ears, you’ll quickly discover there’s plenty more where it came from.
Since 2016, Jeff Parker’s solo catalogue has blossomed in fascinating directions:
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Suite for Max Brown (2020): A warm, soulful follow-up blending similar beat-driven grooves with melodic improvisation.
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Forfolks (2021): A mesmerising solo guitar record, minimalist yet deeply affecting.
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The Way Out of Easy (forthcoming): Promising explorations of slow-burning dub improvisations.
Each project reveals new layers of Parker’s creativity. But it’s The New Breed that sits at the crossroads, where he began charting new territory between jazz, experimental music, and modern production.
If you’re new to Parker, The New Breed is a brilliant place to start your journey.
7. It Embodies the Spirit of Creative Freedom – Just Like 12 Bar
More than any technical innovation, one of the most underrated reasons to revisit The New Breed is the sense of creative freedom that pulses through every track.
Parker wasn’t following trends or sticking rigidly to genre expectations. He trusted his ears, experimented with form, and allowed his curiosity to guide the process. The result is music that’s adventurous yet accessible, experimental yet inviting.
That’s the same spirit we try to cultivate at 12 Bar. We believe the magic of music lies in discovery, connection, and the way a single record can spark conversations, memories, and new ideas.
The New Breed is music for curious listeners, for people who love finding new sounds that make them sit up and listen – and then hit repeat.
Ready to Rediscover The New Breed?
Jeff Parker’s The New Breed (IA11 Edition) lands on 27th June via International Anthem.
If you’re a vinyl collector hunting for modern jazz gems, a listener eager to explore new musical frontiers, or someone simply searching for an album that grooves as much as it dazzles, this record is well worth your time.
Pop in and chat with us about Jeff Parker next time you’re in, or keep an eye on our socials for more recommendations from our record shelves. There’s always something inspiring spinning at 12 Bar.
