The Jungle Jazz Band – International jazz ensemble
Led by Eldar Tsalikov, the Jungle Jazz Band is an established jazz band based in Berlin and acclaimed across Europe. They perform at jazz festivals, swing dance events, and serve as the resident ensemble for prestigious theater productions like The Great Gatsby (Gerhart Hauptman Theater - Görlitz). Collaborating with artists such as Olivier Franc and Meschiya Lake, this Berlin-based jazz band stands out as one of Europe’s leading traditional jazz ensembles. From classic compositions to fresh interpretations, the Jungle Jazz Band delivers unmatched elegance, precision, and energy at every performance, whether it’s at private 20s-themed parties, corporate events, or major jazz festivals.
A truly international group: meet the members
Laurent Humeau
Trumpet
Laurent started playing guitar at an early age with his father, fell in love with the music of New Orleans and taught himself soprano saxophone and clarinet. Today it is the trumpet with which he continues to develop his musicality and deepens his knowledge of the sound of the 20s.
Eldar Tsalikov
Clarinet, Vocals
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Vocals, This young talent, who comes from a family of musicians and was awarded by the Jazz Institute Berlin in 2014, studied Alto Saxophone and Clarinet, both in classical and jazz music. He quickly became an active member of the jazz and swing scene in Berlin, expanding his virtuosity in all kinds of genres.
Carlos Santana
Trombone, Piano, Vocals
Trombone, Piano, Vocals, Classically trained on piano as a child, this self-taught multi-instrumentalist brings the works of Jelly Roll Morton and Kid Ory back to life, traveling back and forth from New Orleans to Berlin and throughout Europe, playing the hottest jazz on both piano and trombone.
Thomas Dekas
Banjo
A native of South Tyrol, he began playing the guitar at a young age. He is a dynamic multi-talent and plays both gypsy jazz guitar and tenor banjo. His musical influences are an asset to the band and he makes the rhythm section rock solid. Thomas can play from the sweetest to the rawest hot jazz, always surrounded by the warmth of southern sunsets.
Ben Lehmann
Double Bass
Born and raised in Berlin, Ben has been a very active member in various music scenes. Coming from a musical family, he brings his talents to both the swing and modern jazz worlds with ease and a smile.
François Perdriau
Drums
Multi-instrumentalist, Taught in the beginning by a traditional master drummer in Mali, and inspired by the very first great jazz drummer Baby Dodds, François brings the origins of drumming back into the band with the original instrumentation of bass drum, snare, cymbals, wood block and bell.
Discover where The Jungle Jazz Band has performed — Across Europe and beyond
Ascona Jazz Festival
Ascona, Switzerland
Taking place on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Ascona Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s most iconic open-air jazz events, celebrating traditional New Orleans jazz and swing in a magical lakeside setting.
Sevilla Swing Festival
Seville, Spain
A true Andalusian celebration of swing dance and early jazz, Sevilla Swing fills the city with vintage rhythms, open-air concerts, and unforgettable dance parties.
Cork Guinness Jazz Festival
Cork, Ireland
Ireland’s largest jazz event, the Cork Guinness Jazz Festival brings an electrical atmosphere to the city every October, with world-class performances in pubs, theatres, and street stages.
Breda Jazz Festival
Breda, Netherlands
One of the oldest and largest jazz festivals in the Netherlands, Breda Jazz transforms the historic centre of the city into a lively celebration of swing, Dixieland, and traditional jazz from around the world.
Jazzing Festival de Sant Andreu (Barcelona)
Barcelona, Spain
A popular Barcelona festival celebrating local and international jazz talent, Jazzing highlights the rich creativity of the Catalan jazz scene and its vibrant Sant Andreu neighbourhood.
Swing’n Milan
Milan, Italy
An elegant and glamorous swing dance festival located in Milan, Swing’n Milan revives the spirit of the 1930s with live orchestras, vintage fashion, and inexhaustible energy on the dance floor.