Cleveland Watkiss: The Great Jamaican Songbook

CLEVELAND WATKISS PRESENTS THE GREAT JAMAICAN SONGBOOK

Cleveland Watkiss is one of the most celebrated British Jazz vocalists of his generation. He won the Ivor Novello award for innovation in 2021 and has been awarded an MBE for his services to music.

Cleveland will be celebrating Jamaica’s long history of pioneering musical sounds. He and his band will bring to life some of the greatest songs written by Jamaican legends from mento, ska and reggae to dub and roots. With classic tracks from legendary artists including Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Delroy Wilson, The Great Jamaican Songbook tells poignant stories about the times and the culture, with a deep and infectious rhythm.

‘A hard-hitting performance that tapped deep into roots Reggae’ Marlbank

‘From the bone-shaking power of Fatman Sound System to the sweet-toned vocals of 1970s reggae greats such as Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and Delroy Wilson, reggae is an integral part of Watkiss’ musical DNA, and the Songbook pays fulsome homage both to the music’s golden period and to his own Jamaican roots.’ The Artsdeck

‘An icon of UK jazz’ Marlbank

“Best Male Jazz Singer in England” – Evening Standard

The band are a who’s who of celebrated UK jazz, pop, reggae and funk legends, each with their own strong reputation both within these scenes and way beyond.

Cleveland Watkiss - Vocals

Orphy Robinson - Keys

Byron Wallen - Trumpet

Ray Carless – Tenor Sax

Delroy Murray - Bass

Phil Ramocon - Keys

Alan Weekes - Guitars

Carl Robinson – Drums