Jas 5ive

London-based, Berklee-trained 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. 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.

The trajectory of 26-year old, Dorset-raised Kayser since gaining her undergrad and Masters from Berklee has been quietly exponential performing in bands led by a who's who of UK talent from Alfa Mist, Poppy Ajudha, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings, to Brit Award and Grammy-nominated singer Jorja Smith. But it's Jas's latest solo work packed full of influences ranging from Michael Olatuja, Richard Bona, Terri Lyne Carrington to Chris Dave and Pedrito Martinez that provides the most detailed account of her complete abilities as drummer, bandleader and composer.

Expanding on the strong West African foundation of her Fela-inspired, 2020 three track EP, Unforced Rhythm Of Grace, Jas 5ive deduces the similarities between afrobeat and jazz with a technical precision and social/cultural framing. The 5ive's mellow, pop-infused production and catchy arrangements echo the many hours Jas has spent with the UK's latest chart-bound talent. 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 and the UK, Jas enlists her twin brother, spoken word artist Aalvk and jazz vocalist Ava Joseph on her 5ive, posing questions surrounding migration, tolerance and identity.