Kai Craig

Kai Craig is a Brighton-born jazz drummer and composer who has quickly made a name for himself in the contemporary jazz scene. After graduating with First Class Honours from the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2022, Kai embarked on an international journey living in London, Paris, and now Brooklyn, NY. His debut album, *A Time Once Forgotten* (released in August 2025), showcases his love for adventurous post-bop jazz rooted in the 1980s and 1990s but filtered through his own unique style. The album, produced by renowned drummer Gregory Hutchinson — Kai’s long-time mentor — features collaborations with outstanding musicians like saxophonist Sean Payne and trumpeter James Copus, reflecting a deep respect for jazz tradition fused with modern sensibilities.

Starting drums at age 2 and formally studying from age 6 under his father’s guidance, Kai’s career is distinguished by early mentorship from greats such as Gregory Hutchinson, Kenny Washington, and Tyshawn Sorey. He has performed at prestigious venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall, and his albums blend complex melodies with hard-swinging rhythms to create engaging and emotionally diverse jazz experiences. Kai aims to make music that’s both quintessentially jazz and accessible to a wide audience, offering a heartfelt, uplifting journey through each composition.

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