Meet Black Zebra ... band with the punch, provides A Taste of Jazz

The Gleaner has been introducing Jamaicans to the fine work being done by Jamaican artistes. Those artistes will all be at The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival from January 23-29. Tonight they will give you 'A Taste of Jazz'. Read about Black Zebra,...

Is it a rock band that plays reggae? Is it a reggae band that plays blues? Or is it merely one of the most versatile collections of musicians Jamaica has to offer?

Call it what you like, Black Zebra rings of musical madness.

With musicians of different ethnicities, cultures and musical backgrounds, Black Zebra is able to produce amazing and riveting originals as well as covers of well-loved favourites.

Bandleader Wayne McGregor (guitar) brings a strong stage presence coupled with many years of music and performing experience, and a flair for the unexpected and spectacular. He has performed with the Mile High Band, Rupert Bent, Ernie Ranglin and many of Jamaica's top session musicians.

McGregor is known for writing lyrics for popular songs, backed by his faithful band members, who are not only top-class musicians, but some of his closest friends.

Katie Iver is a Jamaica-born world traveller.

Having lived in Britain, she has returned to her homeland and continues to expand on her musical experience. Iver is no stranger to the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, having performed at the event in previous years. She is a strong vocalist with a love for blues and reggae, and has recorded with dancehall acts like Bounty Killer.

David Lazarus comes from a long line of renowned Jamaican musicians, having studied classical violin in his earlier years before moving on to guitar.

Lazarus is an all-rounder when it comes to musical genres, being as comfortable playing reggae as he is playing Latin jazz.

Trevaldo Thompson is a true bassist. But more than that, he is a highly skilled and accomplished musician known for his dedication to his art, and his ability to lock into a groove. He has been playing in the Little Theatre Movement's National Pantomime Orchestra since 1996.

Massive benefit

He has performed, toured and/or recorded with many bands including: Unique Vision, Marcus-I, Unit 3, Alpha Boys Band, Jamaica All Stars, Bingo and Zinc Fence, just to name a few.

Along with all that, he is a part-time music teacher. His experience and ability are a massive benefit to Black Zebra.

Jillian Castle is a classically trained pianist, and has made a career out of teaching music professionally. She works with the Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts and is a freelance music instructor. Castle has performed with many bands and individuals, including the Mile High Band.

Omar Azan is a trumpeter born in Barbados, but with very strong ties to Jamaica. He started learning the trumpet for his school band and orchestra, being exposed to many different styles. He was leader of the Abstrakt Jazz Band in his homeland and has been known as 'Mr Energy' onstage. He has developed his own unique approach, blending his favourite musical and performance elements of smooth jazz, funk, and Latin-Caribbean styles.

Neison Hardy is a skilful and accomplished drummer with a passion for reggae. He has performed with a myriad of Jamaican and international artistes throughout his career, including recently touring with Beres Hammond.

This synchronisation of relationship and music allows the band to reach phenomenal heights in their performance and musical arrangements.