Jas Kayser is sitting on top of the world. Sought after by great musicians from a myriad of musical worlds she is quite simply the musician’s musician. Her peers at the forefront of jazz music – a fierce proving ground – see her featured as both a lead and guest artist on radio, television and at music festivals across the globe.
A conscientious student, Jas, encouraged by her teachers – British jazz masters Julian Joseph, Byron Wallen and Tony Kofi – left London to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee she was inspired by her tutors, the drummers Terri Lynne Carrington and Ralph Peterson, and pianist Danilo Perez. Whilst at college Jas came to the attention of rock star Lenny Kravitz who invited her to join him in Paris to film his 2018 video, ‘Low’. After graduating Jas spent significant time absorbing the culture and sounds of Panama, at the behest of her Berklee mentor and Panamanian native, Danilo Perez. In this environment she learnt to deal with responsibility, teach, mentor and give back the eco system at the heart of her own developing musical ethos.
Since her tenure in south America Jas has returned to the thriving British scene from which she emerged. She slotted back in beautifully, immediately putting down firm foundations for a successful future career. She played the jazz and traditional scenes, as well as the Afro beat scene, and was soon being courted by the burgeoning jazz-influenced pop music scene, becoming the number one call for new international stars Jorja Smith and Alfa Mist. She has also featured with leading British artists Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia and Julian Joseph. Touring globally with the bright stars of today she now leads her own bands. “Jas and Chums”, her eclectic and versatile group, has brought joy and energy to enthusiastic crowds, winning awards and prizes whilst being featured on television and radio. In 2024 Jas was nominated for The Composers Award, and was also nominated for MOBO Best Jazz Act in 2022, having won both Jazz FM Breakthrough Act and Parliamentary Jazz New Comer in 2021.
Her well crafted and explosive debut EP, ‘Unforced Rhythm of Grace’ and eclectic debut Album ‘Jas 5ive’ explore the fertile ground that lies between jazz, Afro-beat and various Latin rhythms, and have been championed by Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2, Julian Joseph on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 6’s Mary Anne Hobbs, Jazz FM and Jazzwise magazine.Jas has recently joined Lenny Kravitz’s band and is getting set to tour with him worldwide. This young musician, still only in her 20s, has a great song to sing and everyone is listening! Watch this space.