a band performs on a stage shrouded with smoke

Jazz has long been recognised for its artistic innovation and expression, and at Cross The Tracks, we’re all about platforming the pioneers and emerging voices making waves in the scene.

In 2011, the UNESCO General Conference declared today, 30th April, as International Jazz Day, a global celebration of the genre's wide-reaching roots.

A borderless sound developing through the Delta, Queens, and beyond, jazz is celebrated for promoting dialogue among cultures and melding traditional music forms with new ones. From Duke Ellington to Dorothy Ashby, and John Patitucci to Joel Ross, the genre inspires so many musicians to push the boundaries of their instruments and expand on what jazz can be.

Over the years, we’ve hosted some of the giants in modern jazz: The Comet Is Coming, corto.alto, BADBADNOTGOOD, Emma-Jean Thackray, and this year is no different. So, whether it’s fusion or trad you’re looking for, let’s take a look at which cats will be appearing at Cross The Tracks this year.

Ezra Collective

Ezra Collective are London’s brightest jazz stars. Whether soundtracking night-bus introspection on N29 or ruckus house parties on Ajala, their latest album, Dance, No One’s Watching, has secured their position as the mainstream voice of contemporary UK jazz. Developing out of the community music programme Tomorrow’s Warriors, Ezra Collective are set to bring their high-life horns to Cross The Tracks this year.

Cymande

Afro-fusion band Cymande are the epitome of prolific, pairing jazz with afrobeat, rock with calypso. The group will be performing material from the classic albums and their latest record, Renascence. The nine-piece have been sampled by hip-hop’s best producers, catching the ear of Prince Paul for De La Soul’s Change In Speak, and Diamond D for The Fugees’ The Score. Cymande’s impressive repertoire has found itself in countless contexts, we can’t wait for it to arrive at our Mainline Stage.

Nala Sinephro

If it’s something more serene you’re after, Nala Sinephro’s idyllic musings are the perfect cocktail of jazz, electronic, and ambient. As if formed by divine intervention, synths and harps tumble over each other down a never-ending hill of polyrhythms, sounds peaceful, right? Part of the jazz improvisation collective Steam Down, Nala Sinephro is a natural collaborator, and her latest album Endlessness sees her linking up with saxophonist Nubya Garcia and Morgan Simpson of Black Midi.

Jazzbois

Taking sonic inspiration from Herbie Hancock and Weather Report, Budapest’s Jazzbois make concise jazz for the information age. With their discography full of stonerisms (see: Kalifornia, Spookydope, and The Trip Ender), Jazzbois’ glistening keys and stuttering drums create a heady fog of blissed-out fusion. But don’t be fooled by the wide eyes, their chops are born in the pocket, note perfect, and as clear as day. Be sure to catch them at The Caboose Stage this year.

Moses Yoofee Trio

Also appearing are Berlin’s coolest group, Moses Yoofee Trio. Their latest album, MYT, mixes elements of traditional small-band jazz with forward-thinking production, the result is a succinct exploration of groove and texture. Recent live highlights include a 2,500-capacity Elbjazz Festival booking beside Hamburg’s harbour, and a riotous appearance at the London Jazz Festival.

streamers fill a sunset sky above a crowd

Not only an opportunity to celebrate the music, International Jazz Day ‘raises awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.’ Cross The Tracks 2025 is the perfect place for this celebration.

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