There’s a growing sense that pianist Joe Webb is becoming one of the most distinctive voices in British jazz, and his latest release, Neath Beat, makes a compelling case for exactly why.
Fresh from the acclaim of his Mercury Prize-shortlisted album Hamstrings & Hurricanes, Webb returns with a record that feels both deeply rooted in jazz history and completely alive to the present day. Released through Edition Records, Neath Beat sees the Anglo-Welsh pianist continuing to carve out a musical identity that draws equally from Harlem stride piano, British pop songwriting and the culture of his South Wales upbringing.
At the heart of Neath Beat is a fascinating balancing act. Webb has long been celebrated for his command of stride piano, a demanding style pioneered by giants such as Fats Waller and James P. Johnson. Yet rather than treating those traditions as museum pieces, he folds them into music shaped by Britpop melodies, modern jazz sensibilities and a sharp sense of personality. Critics have highlighted the album’s unusual ability to move effortlessly between vintage jazz language and contemporary songwriting influences.
The album’s title is a nod to Neath, the South Wales town where Webb grew up. That connection to place runs throughout the record, giving the music a sense of identity that feels authentic rather than nostalgic. Webb’s compositions paint vivid musical snapshots while maintaining the energetic swing and virtuosity that have become his trademark.
Backed by long-time collaborators Will Sach on double bass and Sam Jesson on drums, Webb delivers a set that is as playful as it is technically impressive. Tracks such as “Goalmouth Scramble” showcase his knack for combining ragtime influences with unexpected contemporary references, while “James P” stands as a thrilling tribute to the stride tradition. Elsewhere, his interpretations of “Dy-Na-Mi-Tee” and the jazz standard “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” demonstrate an ability to make wildly different material feel perfectly at home within the same artistic vision.
One of the album’s most striking moments arrives with “Myfanwy”, the beloved Welsh song that closes the record. Presented with elegance and emotional weight, it underlines the personal nature of Neath Beat and reinforces the album’s central theme: a musician exploring where he comes from while pushing confidently forward.
The jazz world has taken notice. Webb has been championed by figures including Wynton Marsalis and Jools Holland, while recent collaborations with RAYE have introduced his playing to audiences far beyond the traditional jazz scene. Those connections make sense when listening to Neath Beat: this is music that respects jazz history without ever sounding trapped by it.
What makes Neath Beat such an exciting release is its refusal to choose between tradition and innovation. Instead, Joe Webb demonstrates that the two can coexist beautifully. The result is a record packed with dazzling piano work, memorable melodies and a strong sense of identity—an album that confirms Webb’s place among the most intriguing musicians currently emerging from the UK jazz landscape.
For listeners searching for jazz that swings hard while still feeling fresh, personal and unmistakably modern, Neath Beatis well worth the journey.