Cap'n Jazz

The Profile

Cap'n Jazz are an American emo band from the Chicago area led by brothers Tim and Mike Kinsella. Active primarily from 1989 to 1995, they released one studio album—often called “Schmap’n Schmazz”—and the posthumous compilation “Analphabetapolothology” (1998). Highly influential in Midwest emo, they reunited for shows in 2010 and 2017.

Members have included Tim Kinsella, Mike Kinsella, Davey von Bohlen, Victor Villarreal, and Sam Zurick. Original LP released by Man With Gun Records; the complete works were compiled by Jade Tree on Analphabetapolothology. Frequently cited as foundational to Midwest emo.

A fervent ode to Cap'n Jazz: Chicago teenagers who helped codify emo with their lone album, often dubbed Schmap'n Schmazz. The review praises their raw, heartfelt noise and Tim Kinsella’s yelped catharsis. It notes the 1998 Analphabetapolothology reissue’s role in cementing their cult status. A snapshot of youthful turmoil turned into a landmark sound.