Image showing the lineup poster from Cross The Tracks 2023, showing headliners Masgeo, Kelis, Alfa Mist, the dates and details. Its a grey background with a multicoloured abstract graphic.

In the past half decade, along with the west coast of the states, London has become the epicentre of contemporary jazz. The London scene is blending so many genres that’s asking ‘Which genre is that?’ it's almost missing the point. It's a melting pot of music. It is not mathematically analysing something to the point of splitting hairs, but breaking the limitations genre tends to bring. Defined boxes can be dangerous, especially in music.

People who are heavily invested in the New York / Berklee approach to jazz might be tempted not to find much inspiration when listening to their British counterparts, they might even look down their noses at it, but that's their loss. In 2022, creative energy overrides technique. A resurgence can be seen in the UK jazz scene. An evolution, a march forward, crossing the tracks

Alfa Mist is one of the first-tier movers & shakers. And by shaking we mean our souls. After establishing their magnum opus Antiphon as a stepping stone for what jazz can do when blended, mixed and juggled, they released Bring Backs in 2021 intertwining self-contained instrumental atmospheres with a conceptual narrative line that could have been brewed by The Comet Is Coming. A genius that would infuse the air with electricity.

Image is black and white portrait of the artist Alfa Mist. He is stood in an alleyway wearing a coat and black beanie. — Alfa Mist

Now this might be as the low hanging fruit, but I cannot help but type: ‘And can you guys guess who will be bringing all the boys to Brockwell Park?’

It’s Kelis you guys. The legendary Kelis. And yes she might be known mostly for that song that might or might not be about being very skilled into giving pleasure BUT let’s not forget other successful departures from Tasty such as Trick Me or Millionaire. On top of that, her career may be one of the more interesting ones to scrutinize over a pint. From classic saucy R&B to spiritual electronic to pure effective soul.

Food, her album of 2014, was a huge departure into becoming a serious musician, the definitely post dada move for someone who has gone above and beyond into reinventing her image. And she did it by stripping it down to what it matters: The music. A delicious main course to enjoy to while vibing in between beautiful souls.

Image shows artist Kelis wearing a pink fluffy jacket with her hands above her heads. Her hair is also dyed a bubblegum pink colour. — Kelis

And speaking of beautiful souls, the dark horse comes to close the main line-up. Masego seems like a constant discovery. A Jamaican diamond in the rough that keeps outdoing himself. Studying Abroad (2020) crowned him as the winner Jamaican unicorn everyone keeps betting on. Mystery Lady has the chorus that Timbaland wishes had written in 2006. Who would have thought that The Pink Polo EP would be enhanced with a summery make up four years later. Post-summery, really, because even if the sonic layers seem somehow happy and relaxing, the themes are a little bit more complicated to dissect. Not quite autumn yet. Post summer. Like a sunset with sun glasses with one extra beer.

A rising star who crushes it live.

And damn, Navajo is an absolute bop.

Image shows Masego on stage at Cross The Tracks in 2019. He is wearing his hair in braids and sunglasses, a shirt and jacket. He holds up his hand to the crowd while singing. — Masego at Cross The Tracks 2019

Come and join them for an all-day festival celebration of funk, soul, jazz, disco, dub, and other club culture elements at Cross The Tracks 2023. We’re also helping to support our XTT fans with instalments plans to help support the current living costs.

Meet this year’s headliners

Roy Ayers is touring for the last time in 2023

Our Mission To Support Upcoming Artists