REGGAE JAZZ LIVE SERIES TOKYO
Reggae Jazz? Yes, That's a Thing.
Whenever I tell people I'm launching a Reggae Jazz concert series, I usually get one of two reactions.
The first is: "Oh wow! That sounds amazing!"
The second is: "Wait... Reggae Jazz? Is that actually a thing?"
The answer is yes. Honestly, I'm surprised more people don't know about it.
As a Jamaican, I grew up surrounded by Reggae. It's part of our culture, our identity, our storytelling, and in many ways, the soundtrack of our lives.
What many people don't realize is that Jamaica also has a rich Jazz tradition.
In fact, some of Jamaica's greatest musicians have spent decades blending Jazz, Ska, Reggae, Mento, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms into something uniquely Jamaican.
Musicians like Monty Alexander, Ernest Ranglin, Cedric "Im" Brooks, and the legendary Don Drummond helped create a sound that was both deeply rooted in Jamaica and understood around the world.
Monty Alexander, one of Jamaica's most celebrated jazz pianists, has spent years proving that reggae and jazz belong together. His performances effortlessly move between swinging jazz improvisation and classic reggae grooves.
Ernest Ranglin, often called one of Jamaica's greatest guitarists, helped shape the sound of ska before reggae even existed. His guitar playing influenced generations of musicians both inside and outside Jamaica.
And then there are pioneers like Cedric "Im" Brooks and Don Drummond, whose contributions helped lay the foundation for so much of the music we enjoy today.
Reggae and Jazz have always had a lot in common. Both are rooted in Black musical traditions. Both value improvisation. Both tell stories. Both create space for musicians to express themselves. And of course, both make you feel something.
That's why I'm so excited to launch this new series.
Not because it's another concert.
But because it's an opportunity to introduce audiences to a side of Jamaican music that doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves.
Of course, you'll hear some Reggae. Of course, you'll hear some jazz.
But you'll also hear the conversations happening between the two.
The places where Jamaica meets New Orleans.
Where Kingston meets Harlem. Where rhythm meets improvisation.
And where audiences discover something completely new.
Whether you're a lifelong Jazz fan, a Reggae lover, or someone who simply enjoys great live music, I hope you'll come along for the journey.
After all, some of the best musical discoveries happen when two worlds collide.
I'd love to know: When you think of Jamaican music, what's the first artist that comes to mind?
Bob Marley?
Jimmy Cliff?
Sean Paul?
Or maybe one of Jamaica's Jazz legends?