The Impossible Gentlemen are a trans-Atlantic jazz super-group formed in the early 2010s. Their core lineup features, Gwilym Simcock – piano (Welsh pianist/composer); Mike Walker – guitar (British jazz guitarist); Steve Swallow – electric bass (American jazz bassist, one of the instrument’s legends); Adam Nussbaum – drums (American jazz drummer with a long pedigree). Later projects also involved Steve Rodby (bass) and occasionally others like Iain Dixon on reeds.
The group arose from guitarist Walker’s idea of bringing these standout musicians together, and they quickly developed a reputation for sophisticated, melodic jazz that blends contemporary improvisation with lyrical compositional flair.
Music
The Impossible Gentlemen (2011) – Debut album on Basho Records, introducing their collective sound with compositions by Walker and Simcock and performances by the original quartet featuring Steve Swallow on bass and Adam Nussbaum on drums.
Internationally Recognised Aliens (2013) – Second album, further exploring the group’s voice; produced by Steve Rodby, with compositions highlighting interplay between members.
Let’s Get Deluxe (2016)– Third album, noted for deeper compositional collaboration between Simcock and Walker and an expanded instrumental palette.