Fresh Sounds: Jas Kayser - Darkness In The Light

Berklee-trained drummer/composer Jas Kayser released her new single Darkness In The Light, from her forthcoming new EP 5ive.

Following in the footsteps of UK jazz heavyweights, Nubya Garcia, Ashley Henry & Kaidi Tatham, London-based, drummer/composer and Jazz FM's Breakthrough Act of 2021, Jas Kayser unveils her much anticipated debut album in 2022 for Jazz re:freshed's iconic 5ive series. The album will be released on LP and Digitally via Jazz refreshed on April 15, 2022. With meditative jazz arrangements, finessed afrobeat fusions and energising studio production, Jas 5ive offers a sincere and candid reflection on themes of identity, self-discovery and family as well as navigating deep questions, from Jas's upbringing to her travels abroad.

Encouraged by mentors (Terri Lyne Carrington, Danilo Perez, Ralph Peterson, Neal Smith) to address social concerns, and exploring her dual heritage during time spent in the US, Panama & UK, Jas enlists spoken-word artist and her twin brother Aalvk, and jazz vocalist Ava Joseph on her 5ive, posing questions surrounding migration, tolerance and identity. Jas Kayser delivers a potent demonstration of her talent on debut single Darkness In The Light. Mixing soulful vocals and raw afrobeat grooves with expressive sax lines and complex rhythms, the track reveals the drummer/composer as an artist capable of melding a variety of moods.

Going to Panama, one of the most diverse countries in the world, I felt seen. I found myself and as a result of that I’ve become a lot more confident in accepting who I am. Darkness In The Light is a story about losing yourself and finding the beauty in the light.

Listen to Jas Kayser new single Darkness In The Light, from her forthcoming new EP 5ive:

Having returned from completing her undergrad and masters degrees at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, over three short years, Jas has performed in bands led by a who’s who of leading UK talent, from Alfa Mist, Poppy Ajudha, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings, to Brit Award and Grammy-nominated singer, Jorja Smith, and has presented her band at Boiler Room Festival for gal-dem as well as Jazz Re:Freshed’s Showcase at this year’s SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Even Rock legend Lenny Kravitz invited Jas to Paris to perform a drum duet and cameo in his 2018 ‘Low’ video (currently sitting at 96 million Youtube streams).

Watch below video to Jas Kayser new single Darkness In The Light, from her forthcoming new EP 5ive: