Jazz Jamaica

Lively Up! A night of Jazz and Reggae with the big vibes and rhythms that have shaped the island’s unique musical and cultural identity.

Part of the EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024

Get your skank on in STYLE!

Formed in 1991 by Gary Crosby OBE – bassist, band leader and nephew of Jamaica’s legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin – the mighty Jazz Jamaica have rightly earned their reputation as “one of the UK’s leading good-time bands”’ (The Independent) from their many exuberant live performances and dynamic album releases over the past three decades. 
Crosby's concept was to create a quintessential fusion of mento, ska, reggae, and jazz, playing classic and modern jazz standards alongside Jamaican folksongs, and it is his leadership and drive that continues to ensure the evolution of Jazz Jamaica.  

The band has grown in members and repertoire, filling concert halls and delighting audiences across the country with tours of Catch A Fire, a celebration of the music of Bob Marley, and The Trojan Story that featured many of the best-loved tunes from the seminal Trojan Records label.

“Jazz Jamaica…Well known for blowing the roof off live shows. A joyful, cosmopolitan tribute.” Jazzwise

“Jazz Jamaica should be permanent ambassadors to the United Nations of Good Times.” Cheltenham International Jazz Festival

“Jazz Jamaica All Stars…Britain now has its own rival to the Buena Vista Social Club.” The Guardian

“The sheer energy and high spirits that the Jazz Jamaica All Stars generates is quite overwhelming.” The Observer

“Britain’s finest big band.” The Times