ABOUT
Josh Roberts is a jazz guitarist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Specializing in styles of jazz which emerged in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, his playing is rooted in the styles of early electric jazz guitarists like Charlie Christian and George Barnes, as well as masters of acoustic rhythm guitar, such as Freddie Green and Allan Reuss. He has performed across North America, in Europe and the Caribbean.
Originally from Chilliwack, BC, Josh began playing jazz in the New Orleans and swing traditions in high school and went on to attend Capilano University, where he received a BMus in jazz studies. Performing with various groups over the years has taken him to jazz festivals across North America and Europe.
Josh performs regularly in the Northwest, both as a band leader and a side musician. His own projects range in size from duos to a thirteen-piece big band. For twenty years Josh has been performing for the Lindy Hop and swing dance community. His bands have been featured at numerous Lindy Hop and swing dance events including Camp Jitterbug, the Northwest Balboa Festival, Balhalla, Big Sky Weekend, the Summer Solstice Swing Dance Festival, and as the house big band for Vancouver’s Lindy Bout.
He’s frequently seen performing as a side musician with Jen Hodge, Bonnie Northgraves, Jacob Zimmerman, Jonathan Doyle, Casey MacGill, and the Company B Jazz Band.