Chicago Trio Black Duck Released Second Studio Album
The local jazz group expanded its sound by partnering with Basque musician Elena Setién for a new record.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Jazz
Chicago-based trio Black Duck has officially released their second studio album. The new record features a collaboration with Basque musician Elena Setién, marking a departure from the group's previous work as a three-piece ensemble.
Why it matters
This release marks the evolution of Black Duck from a long-standing local trio into a dynamic quartet. By integrating the unique style of an international artist, the band continues to refine the collaborative approach they developed through live performance.
This second studio album follows the band's self-titled debut released in 2023. The group has grown from a trio founded by Charles Rumback and Bill MacKay to a quartet featuring Basque musician Elena Setién.
The players
Black Duck
A Chicago-based musical trio that often performs with other artists and maintains a significant presence in the local jazz scene.
Elena Setién
A Basque musician whose unique artistic style has expanded the sound of the quartet on their latest studio album.
Charles Rumback
He is a founding member of the Chicago jazz trio Black Duck.
Bill MacKay
He is a founding member of the Chicago jazz trio Black Duck.
Thrill Jockey Records
A well-known independent record label that handles the distribution and release of the band's latest musical projects.
The details
Black Duck, a band rooted in the Chicago music scene, solidified its new quartet lineup after collaborating with Elena Setién during a series of live shows in Spain in 2025. The project was released through the label Thrill Jockey Records.
Timeline
The band released their debut self-titled album in 2023.
The quartet performed live shows in Spain throughout 2025.
The group released their second studio album on September 28, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This expansion into a quartet highlights a broader trend in the Chicago independent jazz scene, where artists increasingly pursue international collaborations to evolve their sound. It marks a departure from the traditional trio format that has defined the group's recent output.
Fans can now listen to the new album through major streaming platforms and the band's label, Thrill Jockey Records. The release provides local listeners with an opportunity to hear the group's new quartet sound following their 2025 live residency.
The takeaway
Collaborative growth allows bands to experiment with new sonic textures that are difficult to achieve in a fixed trio format. Listeners interested in local jazz evolution should follow how these new partnerships reshape the sound of established Chicago-based ensembles.
Further reading
Explore more local releases and artist news on the Jazz section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KMUW.
