“R.U.M. Band delivers polyrhythmic fire, masterful musicianship, and grooves that refuse to let go.” Time Out
R.U.M. is a rhythmic underground movement — a global collective of master musicians united by deep groove, rich storytelling, and uplifting root-soul energy. Blurring borders and genres, R.U.M. brings together decades of musical heritage with a forward-thinking sound that feels both timeless and urgent.
Formed by artists who have shaped modern soul, reggae, funk, and jazz from behind the scenes and on the world’s biggest stages, R.U.M. now steps into the spotlight with a sound entirely their own. Their music is built on polyrhythms, organic improvisation, and emotional resonance — music that moves the body while feeding the spirit. With an eagerly anticipated debut album on the horizon, this is a rare opportunity to experience a supergroup in full creative flow.
The collective draws its members from across the globe, including the Caribbean, Greece, Australia, and the UK, giving R.U.M. a truly international pulse. Their combined credits read like a who’s who of popular music history, spanning Johnny Nash, Jimmy Ruffin, Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page, Chaka Khan, Bee Gees, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Boney M, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Ali Campbell (UB40), Omar, Incognito, John Legend, and Joss Stone.
At the rhythmic core is legendary drummer Richard Bailey, whose career stretches from early work with Johnny Nash and a young Bob Marley to recording on Jeff Beck’s iconic Blow by Blow album. Michael Bailey, a bassist of rare depth and authority, has performed and recorded with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones. Keyboardist Felix “Lix” Ruiz brings harmonic colour and texture shaped by collaborations with Gregory Isaacs and Damon Albarn, while dynamic funk and soul vocalist Ama Lia adds power, elegance, and fire, with credits including Beyoncé, Lionel Richie, and John Legend.
Effortlessly weaving between soul, funk, jazz, Latin, reggae, ska, and calypso, R.U.M.’s live performances are immersive, groove-heavy, and deeply human. At Verdict Jazz, expect an evening of musical conversation, masterful musicianship, and rhythms that linger long after the final note.
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