Jason Rebello

Visiting Professor

Classically trained but inspired by Herbie Hancock, he came to the attention of one of the founders of jazz fusion, Weather Report’s saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Impressed by his musical fluency and style, Shorter produced his No 1 debut album A Clearer View October 1990 Novus PD 90527.

By 1992 Jason’s musical talent and endearing personality enabled him to feature in a wide range of media projects including Artrageous BBC 2 which Janet Street-Porter invited him to present. Popular and confident, Jason chose to produce his second album Keeping Time. He invited a wealth of his musical friends to feature including soul diva Jocelyn Brown and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

Jason undertook a gruelling schedule promoting his own band across the UK and Europe as well as appearing with notable artistes including Bud Shank, Wayne Shorter, Gary Burton, Branford Marsallis, Tommy Smith, Jean Toussaint, Desree, Mica Paris, Carleen Anderson and Omar. He also performed several classical concerts with the Nice Symphony Orchestra and the Halle Orchestra.

Following the untimely death in 1998 of piano legend and personal hero Kenny Kirkland, Jason was invited by Sting to take his seat in the band. Jason recorded with Sting on his Grammy winning album Brand New Day 1999 and Sacred Love 2003. He toured the world as part of Sting’s band for 6 years and on the night of September 11 2001, Jason recorded the live DVD and CD All this Time at Sting’s home in Tuscany.

It was through an introduction from Sting that Jason met guitar legend Jeff Beck. Beck was looking for a new keyboard player to follow Jan Hammer. He was keen to recruit Jason, whose keyboard skills and musical versatility complemented Beck’s love to improvise and experiment in the world of fusion.

Jason once again toured the world as part of Beck’s band for 6 years, and was introduced to the world of Rock music. He worked together with Beck on his 2010 album Emotion and Commotion and co-wrote the single Hammerhead which won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance and was voted a Rock Classic by Planet Rock Radio.

Technique, diversity and adaptability have enabled Jason to work with artists across the musical spectrum such as Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Joss Stone, Madeline Peyroux, Manu Katche and recently Charlene Soraia. In 2007 Jason inspired by family life in Bath embarked on the Jazz Rainbow project. Created as through of a love of teaching and a belief that expression through music is an important part of a child”s development, Jason has worked nationally to promote learning through musical workshops in schools. The project resulted in Jazz Rainbow November 2007 JUMBY RECORDS JRCD1, a charming reinvention of much loved children”s tunes the whole family could enjoy.