Producer, composer and drummer Yussef Dayes' beats are undeniably recognizable. Dayes has been instrumental in defining the sound of London's explosive jazz scene, and his talents have led to collaborations with everyone from Kamasi Washington to Virgil Abloh.
Yussef Dayes was born in South East London to a very musical family. His father was a bassist in NYC in the '70s, and music was a central part of his upbringing; Dayes grew up listening to his father's vinyl jazz collection and reggae, as well as the country music and '60s pop that his mother played around the house. His father bought Dayes a drum kit, and at the age of 10, he began to study under Miles Davis' drummer Billy Cobham.
Initially best known as part of the band United Vibrations, Dayes started immersing himself in the London jazz scene in his teenage years. Post-United Vibrations, Dayes partnered with keyboardist Kamaal Williams to form the duo Yussef Kamaal, and released the acclaimed album Black Focus in 2016.
In 2019, Dayes released a two-track solo EP, Duality, highlighting the two sides of his musical personality. He teamed up with Tom Misch for the 2020 album What Kinda Music, and in 2022, he released The Yussef Dayes Experience Live at Joshua Tree.
Yussef Dayes' live performance transcends the boundaries of traditional jazz, making for an electrifying experience. Dayes will continue to head out on tour in 2023, performing concerts and festival sets throughout the United States and Europe.
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Yussef and his band are so damn funky! The energy between them was high and genuine so much that it vibrated throughout the venue. Everyone clearly is rooted in their craft. From the guy on the keys, the guitarist, the saxophonist and other percussionist, the show was pure perfection. May they breeze through our city again soon and often.
Yussef Dayes is the truth!!! If and when he comes back to the Ohio area, I’ll be seeing him again and again!!!
Yussef is incredible, however, the show started 2 hours late. horrible experience! Also, yes, weed smoking was prolific and stunk horribly. We would’ve shown up later had we known he’d be so late, but we were actually like 10 min early so we waited 2 hours and 10 min to see him.
Great music, will not go back to the venue. Tickets were for 7 pm, the concert started at 9. No reason to make people stand for extra 2 hours
The actual performance I don’t want to comment on because i left early. Not a good experience.
No words...............................................
Yussef Dayes gave an outstanding performance. Although it was a Sunday night and we waited 2 hours for it to start, the experience was so awesome. It made up for all of that. My husband and I didn’t want the show to end! We’re still talking about the show.
Yussef is 5 star however, the concert started 2 hours later for a Sunday concert. We had to leave earlier because we had to work next day. First time at Irving Plaza. 1 star for me for choosing the ground. Not enjoyable place to wait 2 hours for an artist.
No mention of an opener on ticketing site. Said show started at 7. The opening DJ didn’t even start til 8 and Yusef and band at 9. Line was so long getting it. I had to leave early…
I went alone and had the best time ever. A true master of their craft. Very excited for their Blue Note shows in June! I'm going to at least two of them.
