Experience the future of UK jazz at NYJO’s monthly residency at Peckham Levels.
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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. From touring with Jorja Smith and organising her own ‘Jas & Chums’ European tour following the release of her debut EP Jas 5ive in 2022, to joining Lenny Kravitz’s Blue Electric Light world tour in 2024, Jas has been working hard while also behind the scenes creating new music to release into the world very soon!
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. 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.
Jas’s own eclectic and versatile band ‘Jas and Chums’ has brought joy and energy to enthusiastic crowds, winning awards and prizes while being featured on television and radio. In 2024 Jas was nominated for The Composers Award, Up and Coming drummer for Modern Drummers Poll, and also the 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 as well as her 2022 release Jas 5ive 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.
Join us at Peckham Levels on the first Friday of every month for a performance of original compositions by NYJO musicians, featuring a special guest artist, followed by a lively jam session. Started in April 2025 our Levels Residency offers an opportunity for NYJO Emerging Professional musicians to develop their composition and stagecraft under the mentorship of key figures in UK jazz. Previous Levels Residency guest artist successes include Levitation Orchestra, Theon Cross, Jasmine Myra and Township Jazz.