Cap'n Jazz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Buffalo Grove, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
| Website | jadetree |
Cap'n Jazz (occasionally written as caP'n Jazz) is an American emo group originating from Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
History
The band was initially formed in 1989 by siblings Tim Kinsella and Mike Kinsella, along with Victor Villarreal and Sam Zurick, under the name Toe Jam before adopting the name Cap'n Jazz.[1] Drawing inspiration from acts such as Gauge and Fugazi,[2][1] Cap'n Jazz issued multiple singles through independent labels during the early 1990s and contributed tracks to various compilations.
Their only full-length album, Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped On and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over, was released in 1995 via Man With Gun. Commonly referred to as Shmap'n Shmazz, a name featured on the CD itself,[3] this record marked a significant release for the band.
Shortly after this album debuted, Cap'n Jazz disbanded in July 1995 following a final performance in Little Rock. In 1998, Analphabetapolothology was released by Jade Tree, offering a comprehensive double-disc collection of their entire recorded work—including Shmap'n Shmazz, early singles, split releases, compilation contributions, unreleased demos, outtakes, and live recordings from their farewell show in Chicago.
Post-breakup and reunion
The band came together again on January 22, 2010, at the Empty Bottle during Joan of Arc's Don't Mind Control Variety Show. Following this surprise set in Chicago, they held their first official reunion performance at Louisville’s Forecastle Festival on July 10, 2010. This was succeeded by a hometown concert at the Bottom Lounge to celebrate the vinyl reissue of Analphabetapolothology on Jade Tree Records—a release that enjoyed commercial success. Due to overwhelming demand resulting in rapid ticket sales, an additional show was arranged. Throughout the summer and fall of 2010, Cap'n Jazz also embarked on a series of reunion concerts across various U.S. cities.
In 2017, they were part of the lineup for FYF Fest in Los Angeles and subsequently performed in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, London, as well as at the Riot Fest held that year in Chicago.
The band reunited once more for a performance at the Empty Bottle on October 6, 2024, followed by an appearance at Best Friends Forever Fest in Las Vegas on October 11, 2024. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Shmap'n Shmazz, they announced a tour scheduled for 2025 alongside Coffin Prick.
On November 19, 2025, Cap'n Jazz sold out San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. The event drew a wide-ranging audience spanning multiple generations to honor three decades since their singular album's release.
Former members remain musically active with involvement in projects such as Make Believe, The Promise Ring, American Football, Owls, Ghosts and Vodka, Joan of Arc, and Owen.
Influence and legacy
Cap'n Jazz has served as a significant source of inspiration for numerous bands, including Algernon Cadwallader, who acknowledge them as a major influence. The name of the American post-hardcore group Scary Kids Scaring Kids was taken from a Cap'n Jazz track.
Current members
- Tim Kinsella – lead vocals, French horn (1989–1995, 2010, 2017, 2024–present)
- Mike Kinsella – drums (1989–1995, 2010, 2017, 2024–present)
- Victor Villarreal – guitar (1989–1995, 2010, 2017, 2024–present)
- Sam Zurick – bass guitar (1989–1995, 2010, 2017, 2024–present)
Former members
- Davey von Bohlen – guitar, backing vocals (1993–1995, 2010)
Touring members
- Nate Kinsella – guitar, backing vocals (2017, 2024–present)
Studio album
- Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped On, and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over (commonly called Shmap'n Shmazz) – LP/CD (Man With Gun Records, 1995)
Singles/EPs
- Sometimes if you stand further away from something... – 7” (Underdog Records, 1993)
- Boys 16 to 18 Years... Age of Action – (Further Beyond Records, 1993)
Anthology
- Analphabetapolothology – double CD/double LP (Jade Tree Records, 1998/2010)
Compilation appearances
- Achtung Chicago! Zwei! – compilation LP (Underdog Records, 1993)
- Nothing Dies with Blue Skies – split 7” with Friction (Shakefork Records, 1993)
- How the Midwest Was Won – compilation double 7” (Subfusc Records/Playing Field Recordings, 1993)
- Picking More Daisies – compilation double 7” (Further Beyond Records, 1993)
- It’s a Punk Thing, You Wouldn't Understand – compilation LP (Shakefork Records, 1993)
- Ghost Dance – compilation double 7” (Slave Cut Records, 1993)
- A Very Punk Christmas – compilation double 7” (The Rocco Empire & Further Beyond Records, 1993)
- Punk TV – compilation LP (Red Dawg Records, 1995)
- We’ve Lost Beauty – compilation LP (File 13 Records, 1995)
- Ooh Do I Love You – compilation double CD (Core For Care, 1995)