Jazz Must Be returns this Thursday
Published:Wednesday | December 3, 2025 | 12:08 AM
Vocalist Apryl Jaye Raymond returns on Thursday with the second staging of her signature production, Island Car Rentals Presents Jazz Must Be, an intimate two-hour jazz fusion showcase at The Summit in St Andrew.
This year’s staging is proudly being held under the patronage of Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport and promises several new additions.
“Last year we expanded the band from a four-piece to a five-piece with guitar, keys, bass and drums, and this year we have pushed even further by adding trumpet and French horn. That shift alone opens up a whole new palette of sound,” Raymond, who performs under the name Apryl Jaye, told The Gleaner.
Distinguished Jamaican musician Dean Fraser also brings something special to the line-up. “This year, we brought in the legendary Dean Fraser to arrange one of our medleys. That means a lot because he personally knew the artistes in that tribute, including Dennis Brown, John Holt, Delroy Wilson and Gregory Isaacs. There is a level of authenticity and reverence there that you simply cannot manufacture,” she said.
The show follows a polished, concise format: two hours of music anchored by a 15-minute intermission. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early, explore the food village, bring their meals and drinks inside, and settle into the warm, stylish ambience the series is known for.
As the featured act, Apryl Jaye guides the evening through a vibrant mix of pure jazz, bossa nova, and bold jazz fusion, where jazz meets other genres, and other genres are reimagined through jazz.
Continuing a popular tradition, the show will once again feature a surprise guest artiste, echoing last year’s buzzworthy appearance by the legendary Fraser.
Fraser lends his artistry again this year with a specially crafted arrangement for a tribute segment honouring Jamaican greats Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt (to be performed by Apryl Jaye). The programme also includes a heartfelt tribute to black artistes lost in 2025, with nods to influential voices such as Angie Stone and D’Angelo.
“Having Mr Fraser with us last year was such a gift, and I knew I wanted to honour the legends who shaped me. Having their songs arranged by someone who worked closely with them brings a level of depth and honesty to the performance,” she shared, speaking about the global component as well. “And on the global side, I simply could not let the year pass without acknowledging the black artistes we lost. They have influenced us in so many ways. Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, D’Angelo, these are artistes who shaped eras. I did not know how many spaces were marking their passing, but I knew we had to. It felt right to honour them in a communal Jamaican space.”
The night is elevated by an elite line-up of musicians among Jamaica’s finest: Keneil Delisser (drums), Dale Brown (bass), Gregory Palmer (keyboard), Okiel McIntyre (trumpet), and Lamont ‘Monty’ Savory (guitar). Their collective skill and creativity ensure a rich, adventurous, and memorable musical experience.
In addition to its artistic depth, this year’s staging carries a strong humanitarian focus. Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the show will donate part proceeds to relief efforts. Patrons are also invited to support an in-kind donation drive on the night of the show by bringing non-perishable food items or personal care items for collection at the reception donation desk.
“We are partnering with the LEAD Outreach Initiative because they are doing the critical work of supporting the overlooked communities, the ones you did not see on the evening news. This concert was already planned, but once Melissa hit, we knew we had to shift and let the show serve a higher purpose,” Raymond said.
As to what she wants patrons to take away from Thursday’s performances, Raymond says she wants them to feel encouraged.
“Jamaica is walking through a long road of recovery, and Melissa affected us directly and indirectly in countless ways. My hope is that this show lifts spirits, refreshes people and gives them a moment to breathe,” she said.
“Music gives you that little escape, not to run from life but to reset so you can face it again. If patrons walk out feeling lighter, renewed and reminded that joy is still possible even in a hard season, then we have done what we came to do.”
Doors open at 7 p.m., the show begins at 8 p.m., and concludes at 10 p.m. Tickets are pre-sold only, priced at $5,000 and available exclusively at Music Mart.