The Trio

Inspired by the early masters of electric jazz guitar, Josh Roberts leads a trio bringing a fresh take to the driving, dynamic swing of the 1930s and 40s. Josh’s playing draws upon influences such as Charlie Christian, George Barnes, Oscar Moore, and Barney Kessel. The trio features Joseph Abbott on clarinet and Wynston Minckler on bass. 

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Bio

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 in Europe.

Josh performs regularly in the Northwest, both in Vancouver and Seattle, both as a band leader and a sideman. His own projects range in size from duos to a thirteen-piece big band, which has for many years been the house band of Vancouver’s Lindy Bout Swing Dance festival. He’s frequently seen performing as a sideman with Jen Hodge, Bonnie Northgraves, Jacob Zimmerman, Jonathan Doyle, Casey MacGill, and the Company B Jazz Band.