Jazz Across the “Pond”

ATLANTICUS is a British-American musical partnership bringing together the powerfully distinct musical personalities of US saxophonist Peter Fraize and UK organist Terry Seabrook, trumpeter Jack Kendon, and drummer Milo Fell, delivering a dynamic new entry to the rich transatlantic heritage of jazz.

Steeped in Tradition, Looking Forward

ATLANTICUS draws from the storied tradition of the great Hammond organ groups, with a post-modern sound echoing the ground-breaking organ quartet of Larry Young’s Unity album and contemporary artists like Larry Goldings. The group’s repertoire is comprised of mostly original music spanning a broad stylistic spectrum of Hard Bop blowouts, modal explorations, funk and odd-metered grooves, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and the Blues. Their engaging compositions, sometimes intricate, always grooving, honor the history while pushing at the boundaries of Organ Jazz.

Instant Connection, Dynamic Performances

The quartet teamed up for their first UK tour in 2016. From the very first gig, their immediate musical and personal rapport sealed the transatlantic bonds for what has become ATLANTICUS. The newly formed band delivered exciting high-energy performances to delighted crowds, culminating in a head-turning performance at the Love Supreme Festival. Building on that success, they reconvened in 2018, then annually since 2022 for tours of the UK and US East Coast. The group has appeared at world-class venues Ronnie Scott’s, Keystone Korner, Love Supreme Festival, and Swanage Jazz Festival, in addition to a wide range of clubs, theatres and educational settings on both sides of the Atlantic.

Touring and Recording

At the end of their 2018 tour, ATLANTICUS recorded their debut album Blue Haven in a single day, capturing the vibe and excitement of their live performances which fans have come to expect. The band has replicated that formula by recording a new album at the end of each tour. Upstream (2023) features a program of 10 all-original tunes. Oceanic (2024), created with the support of Arts Council England, is a 5-part suite with video accompaniment exploring the beauty, diversity, and our responsibility in maintaining the world’s oceans. Live in NYC (2025) presents the full set performed at the Shrine in Harlem during their 2024 US tour. They also hit the recording studio during both the US and 2026 10th Anniversary tours, capturing 16 performances of both brand new tunes and concert favorites.

With enough recorded music for two new studio albums and a 2027 European tour in the works, ATLANTICUS continues to move forward with exciting, modern, and original Organ Jazz.

DOWNBEAT

“Musically, the record highlights Fraize’s lush, warm tone and inventive improvisations, as well as his blend with Kendon, who plays with command and lyricism throughout. Fell and Seabrook shine, too, particularly during unscripted, improvisational moments when the quartet can step away from the intricate compositions and dive deep into their interaction. Like its muse, Oceanic ebbs, flows and crests.” “The Oceanic Suite’s third movement, ‘Choices’ is a high point, with its deliciously angular melody and Seabrook’s adventurous organ stylings.” - Alexa Peters (Oceanic)

JAZZWISE

“All in all, this is exemplary music, every man on the case, showing that there's life left aplenty in the classic Blue Note organ combo style, especially when it's played with this kind of verve. A great band to see live: look out for them.” - Peter Vacher (Live In NYC)

BEBOP SPOKEN HERE

“Kendon blows his socks off… Fraize is blistering on tenor… this is the perfect Hammond/horn band setting.” - Lance Liddle (Upstream)

JAZZ JOURNAL

“Sixty-plus minutes of arresting music as blues-charged as it is harmonically literate, Blue Haven is one hell of an album from the striking Anglo-American quartet which appeared at the Love Supreme Festival in Sussex in 2018 and 2022.” “The music crackles with its own intensity and intelligence, its own charts and moods.” “Superb and simply unmissable music.” - Michael Tucker (Blue Haven)

ALL ABOUT JAZZ

“Fraize and Seabrook are gutsy, extrovert players who come across with absolute conviction and it is their well-matched steaming styles which have above all made Atlanticus a popular live attraction. Kendon is a chip off the same block and Fell a deep-pocket drummer. There is magnetism in a band which plays with such full-on drive and palpable enthusiasm.” - Chris May (Blue Haven)

JAZZ VIEWS

“Fraize is a simply tremendous saxophonist, switching between furious Brecker-style density, lyricism and bluesy wailing with a hard-edged tone and impeccable timing. The overall impression is of a band captured at the peak of its powers, playing material that stretches everyone in the right ways, and having a ball.” - Eddie Myer (Blue Haven)

SCOTT YANOW

“Atlanticus sounds unlike any of its historical inspirations. The band’s release features bright new music, concise solos, and an attractive group sound.” “Blue Haven is a highly enjoyable release, one that finds Atlanticus invigorating the jazz tradition with surprises and consistently inventive ideas.” - Jazz historian/journalist (Blue Haven)

LIVE REVIEWS

Brighton Jazz Festival 2025

"Brighton’s Atlanticus could be in Englewood Cliffs for a Blue Note session — think cats like Blakey, Hubbard, Gordon, Jimmy Smith. On a selection of originals mostly by organist Terry Seabrook, trumpeter Jack Kendon and Washington DC tenor Peter Fraize alternate unison lines and tight solos, no tune stretched too thin, with show-closer ‘Rhythm Shtick’ groovily blending DC’s own Duke Ellington and go-go swing pioneer Chuck Brown." - Mat Snow, Jazzwise

Ocean Suite at All Saints Church, Hove

"The writing uses a range of contemporary language that’s hip but accessible, with an audible British or US accent from each composer: each section is carefully considered to fit the subject matter, with some neat programmatic touches to pique the attention... and the band show their touring mettle, playing together superbly in ensemble and each shining individually in solo. It’s a successful melding of media that makes for a diverting spectacle with a genuinely moving climax: the message is clear and the music is great. For the encore, Fraize leads us all in a sing-along mash-up of Ellington and Washington go-go swing: it’s a fittingly triumphant conclusion." - Eddie Myer, Jazzwise

East Side Jazz, London

"Atlanticus brought a great post bop ride to the East Side with a great sax/trumpet front line and a hard driving organ/drums backline. It went down a treat with the East Side audience".  - Paul Walker

Rochester Jazz

“Atlanticus provided the Rochester jazz followers with a first class performance of high energy tracks from their recent album. The music was most enjoyable and played brilliantly. One to rebook when the next tour dates are available.” - Tony Totts

The Sound Cellar, Poole

"Atlanticus captivated the SoundCellar audience with their rich ensemble sound and enthralling solos." - Rob Palmer

Jazz at Narberth, Wales

“Atlanticus brought new groove based tunes to excite the crowd who responded to the creative solos with glee. A very tight group who made new fans here.” - Declan Conolly

Aberjazz, Wales

“Driving contemporary jazz with strong compositions and powerful soloing.” - Alice Stonhold