Caz Gardiner
Washington, Washington DC, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
“Early in Gardiner’s career, her mother offered advice that she still follows: “Once you cross the line, you need to sparkle.” That she does, breaking into dance mid-song, whether with James Brown footwork or the salsa steps her father taught her, moves she calls her “secret weapon.” - Arlington Magazine
“This (It's Alright) is one of those albums that I hear and already wish I knew all the words to because I just want to sing along so bad. It's retro 60's soul with clean rocksteady simplicity creating this incredible bold feel that still remains gentle in it's delivery. Caz has this amazingly fresh vocal style. She is a blend of a sassy pop flair and a traditional, familiar reggae groove. ” - A PERFECT MESS
“Gardiner is a throwback to the glory days of the Skatalites and Darlene Shaffer, a singer with jazz chops and all kinds of subtle wiggles and blue notes. The B-side, recorded live on tour in Argentina, is Cycles, a perfect evocation of late 60s Kingston, Gardiner’s voice equal part resolute calm and edgy unease in a situation where “things can’t get worse right now”. It’s a fair guess that a lot of people will be be dancing to this one Saturday night. ” - NEW YORK MUSIC DAILY
“In the world of Jamaican-inspired music, there is sometimes power of fire, but there is also finesse, and Caz and her musicians have plenty of it to sell by the shovel.” - Rude Boy Train
Discography
Stop, single, Carbonero Records, 2018
Everybody, single, Carbonero Records, 2017
It's Alright, Album, Carbonero Records, 2016
Photos
Bio
Caz Gardiner, 2019 Wammie (Washington DC Area Music Association) nominee for best Soul Artist/Group, grew up listening to jazz, Caribbean music, soul, blues, rock, mod and punk. Caz is a high energy performer who writes songs of overcoming struggles and celebrating life with a Soul Rock and Reggae sound that is as diverse and driving as she is.
In her career, Caz has shared the stage with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Lee Fields and the Impressions, The London Souls, The Selecter, Don Bryant and Nikki Hill.
Starting her music career in the 1990’s as the front woman of the Soul/Ska band The Checkered Cabs, Caz was later the lead singer of the Rock/Soul band The Ambitions and after that the Rocksteady band Caz and The Day Laborers finally deciding that she wanted to break free of the band dynamic by starting her own self titled band. Caz has also performed in several projects outside of her own band. She has performed with the BandHouse Gigs, Newmyer Flyer productions, Beat Hotel, Soul Crackers, Caz Gardiner and the Badasonics, Caz and The Commotions, Victor Rice Octet and The New York Ska Jazz Ensemble.
In 2007 her band The Ambitions were nominated for a Wammie (Washington Area Music Association) in the best new band category. In 2009 she was nominated for a Wammie in the best traditional blues/RnB vocalist category for her work with Caz and The Commotions. In 2019, after creating her self titled band, Caz was nominated for a Wammie for best soul artist/group.
Caz has recorded and performed throughout the US, South America and parts of Europe.
Band Members
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