New Nostalgia is a high-energy 9-piece instrumental jazz/rock fusion band based in Chicago, Illinois. Led by saxophonist and award-winning composer/arranger Neil Carson, the ensemble blends the sophistication of jazz, the accessibility of pop, and the raw intensity of rock into a genre-defying experience. Known for their intricate arrangements, dynamic horn section, and virtuosic ensemble playing, New Nostalgia delivers a compelling mix of original compositions and reimagined covers that captivate both seasoned listeners and new audiences alike.

Formed in 2017, the group began with a vision: to fuse the improvisational depth of jazz with the powerful hooks and emotional immediacy of popular music. Their debut performance in a small coffee shop in 2017 set the tone —— intimate setting, explosive energy. Since then, they've played notable venues and festivals across the Midwest, received two ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers) awards, and earned praise from DownBeat Magazine, who described their debut album as “power-polychord instrumental rock at its finest...embracing a rock aesthetic while showcasing fiery improvisations.”

Their 2019 self-titled debut featured genre-bending arrangements of iconic 1980s pop tunes, while their pandemic-era remote EP showcased their adaptability and collaborative spirit. With their second full-length studio album slated for release in December 2025 and a Midwest tour on the horizon for early 2026, New Nostalgia continues to push boundaries —— proving that complexity and groove aren’t mutually exclusive.

Whether in an intimate club or on a festival stage, New Nostalgia offers a bold, fresh take on instrumental music: intellectually rigorous, emotionally resonant, and always electrifying.