The Necks are a piano jazz trio from Australia. Though it’s probably a bit misleading to let you think that they are filling smoking bars with jazz standards. “Avant-Jazz” might be a bit more appropriate. The Necks specialize in long-form improvisational pieces that blur the lines between jazz and minimalism.

As you might expect, they develop a theme and then deconstruct and recreate that theme. Their typical track is about an hour long. The Free Music Archive has made available three different radio appearances, which you can stream or download below.

The Necks Live at WFMU 2/10/2009 

The Necks Live at ISSUE Project Room (1/28/2010) // Night One Set Two

The Necks Live at ISSUE Project Room (1/28/2010) // Night Two Set Two

• Visit the Necks official website.

• Visit the group at Facebook.

• Purchase The Necks’ music at Bandcamp.

• Purchase The Necks’ music at Amazon.