In Cahoots: The Progressive Jazz Rock Explorers
In Cahoots is a British instrumental group known for their intricate compositions within the jazz rock and Canterbury scene genres. Formed and led by guitarist Phil Miller, the band has built a dedicated following through a series of complex and melodic albums since the 1980s.
Early career
The origins of In Cahoots are deeply tied to the Canterbury scene, a musical movement known for its blend of progressive rock, jazz, and surrealism. Guitarist and composer Phil Miller, a veteran of bands like Matching Mole and Hatfield and the North, formed In Cahoots in the early 1980s as a vehicle for his own writing. The group served as a collective for like-minded musicians exploring extended, improvisation-friendly structures rooted in jazz rock.
Breakthrough
While operating largely under the radar of mainstream success, In Cahoots solidified their reputation with a steady output of albums throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Their refined sound, characterized by interlocking guitar and saxophone lines and shifting time signatures, was captured on releases for labels like Voiceprint and Crescent Discs. The band's breakthrough was one of artistic consistency rather than chart placement, earning them a firm standing in the European jazz rock and progressive music communities.
Key tracks
Split Seconds - This track exemplifies the band's tight, compositional approach to jazz rock, featuring complex themes and spirited solo exchanges.
All That - A piece showcasing Miller's melodic guitar work and the ensemble's cohesive dynamic, often highlighted in live performances.
New Blues - As the title suggests, this song reinterprets blues forms through the band's characteristically intricate and harmonically advanced lens.
The lineup of In Cahoots has featured several notable musicians from the Canterbury and jazz rock spheres, including saxophonist Elton Dean and keyboardist Pete Lemer. Their albums, such as "Recent Discoveries" and "Parallel," are considered essential listening for fans of the genre. Phil Miller's leadership ensured the band's output remained focused on sophisticated instrumental music until his passing in 2017.
Fans of In Cahoots' blend of jazz rock and Canterbury scene intricacies might also appreciate the work of Soft Machine, pioneers of the same fertile musical landscape. The compositional focus of Hatfield and the North shares clear DNA with Miller's projects. Listeners drawn to the instrumental jazz rock fusion might explore National Health, another key group from the same circle.
The music of In Cahoots continues to be featured on specialist radio stations and online streams dedicated to progressive rock and jazz fusion. Their catalog offers a deep dive into a particularly creative branch of British instrumental music.
You can discover the intricate jazz rock of In Cahoots on radio stations featured here.
