‘Jazz Jamaica…Well known for blowing the roof off live shows. A joyful, cosmopolitan tribute.’
-Jazzwise
“Breathtaking stuff. Britain has its own rival to the Buena Vista Social Club. See them now before the rest of the world grabs them.”
– The Guardian
“Stunning. Thoroughly recommended to anyone who would normally make a wide detour of any gig with “jazz” in the title.”
– The Times
“Jazz Jamaica…a national treasure. Joy and exhilaration fill the air. “
– Independent On Sunday
“Unashamedly enjoyable.”
– The Financial Times
In 1991, driven by the rhythms of traditional Jamaican music and the improvisational spirit of jazz, original Jazz Warrior and renowned jazz double bassist Gary Crosby brought a bold musical vision to life.
To realize this vision, he brought together a talented group of musicians from both the jazz and reggae worlds. The result was the vibrant and infectious ensemble known as Jazz Jamaica.
The music’s roots trace back to London’s jazz scene of the 1940s and 1950s, which welcomed the sounds of the first wave of Caribbean immigrants. This rich heritage forms a creative lineage spanning free jazz pioneer Joe Harriott in the 1950s, guitarist Ernest Ranglin’s trailblazing work in the 1960s, the Jazz Warriors and saxophonist Courtney Pine in the 1980s, Tomorrow’s Warriors in the 1990s, and continuing with today’s thriving generation of musicians.
