Boston's Pressure Cooker formed in early 1997 to create and perform a unique blend of original ska, rock-steady and reggae music. The group draws its musical inspiration from traditional Jamaican movements spiced with Jazz, Calypso, and Latin arrangements - enticing both the listener and dancer alike.

Pressure Cooker's diverse group of artists have been involved with Boston's live music scene for many years, bringing a unique blend of talent and experience to the table. The band was nominated for Best Reggae Act 1999 and Best Ska Band 2000 by the Boston Music Awards. In June of 1999, Pressure Cooker released its debut self-titled CD to significant critical acclaim, and in January 2001 dropped its sophomore effort "I Want To Tell You" which won the award for "Best Ska Album of 2001" from About.Com. The band's word-of mouth following combined with significant ska/reggae press quickly brought the band to the attention of Jump Up Records. It was after witnessing the band's brilliance backing PRINCE BUSTER, DERRICK MORGAN, and MONTY MORRIS on a rainy night outside of Boston, that label head Chuck Wren set his sights to be the first label to work hand in hand with one of American's best bands!

"Pressure Cooker remains firmly and freshly rooted in the purity of original Jamaican ska and reggae. It's firm because of the expert musicianship throughout the band, from rhtyhm to melody. It's fresh because of the sweet vocal style of Craig Akira Fujita and the eager energy brought to every track by the band. During the days when ska fans are already waxing nostalgic for the glory days of 1996, Pressure Cooker is indeed a precious resource not to be missed." - Bob Timm, ABOUT.COM

For Fans of: The Slackers, Hepcat, Stubborn All Stars, Deal's Gone Bad, Dr Ring Ding

PRESSURE COOKER came together in January of 1997 to form a nine-piece group that creates and performs a unique blend of rock-steady reggae music. Their sound draws upon the traditional Jamaican reggae movements of the sixties and seventies, and their songwriting platter draws influence from a broad base of American pop. A group of diverse artists who have been involved with live music in Boston for many years, Pressure Cooker brings a seasoned package of talent and experience to the table.

Pressure Cooker music is a rare compositional variety spiced with jazz, calypso and Latin elements, which entice and satisfy both the listener and dancer alike. With respect to the traditional styles, Pressure Cooker constantly explores new musical and lyrical territory.

Nationally recognized for their authentic sound and musical proficiency, Pressure Cooker has received accolades from press throughout the region and in Europe. In spring 2004, Pressure Cooker released an instrumental album Burning Fence on the Chicago-based label Jump Up! Records. In 2003, Pressure Cooker celebrated the release of their third album Committed with two sold-out nights at the House of Blues in Cambridge, MA.

Their 2001 release I Want To Tell You was one of 25 records considered for Best Reggae Album by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. The band has consistently won nominations to various dance music categories by the Boston Music Awards in 1999, 2000 and 2004. The French reggae music magazine RAGGA has featured the band in several issues, and has called Pressure Cooker’s music, “magnificent,” and “judiciously ornamented.”

This year, the band is cooking up an intensive live performance schedule and looks forward to acquainting an even larger audience with their original sound.

Pressure Cooker
Craig Akira Fujita - Vocals
Michael O'Connor - Tenor Sax
Jeffrey Eckman - Drums
Dan Hawkins - Bass
Adam Dobkowski - Guitar
Zack Brines - Keys
Brian Thomas - Trombone
Robin Teague - Tenor Sax
Louisa Gelfuso - Trumpet

Live Sound Engineer
Craig "Dubfader" Welsch

Other Musicians seen with Pressure Cooker
Steve DiGregorio - Keys
Dave Szebeda - Trumpet
Jared Sims - Saxophone
Matt Jensen - Keys
Nathan Sabanayagam - Drums
Garo Saraydarian- Trombone
Nate Edgar - Bass
Mark Bernie - Trumpet
Mike Keenan - Guitar