The Reykjavik Big Band was founded in 1992 by Saebjorn Jonsson who was the Chief conductor till the year 2000.

The band is the only Big Band in Iceland that is manned with professional musicians. Among its players are many of Iceland´s best jazz musicians.

In recent years the band has worked with many great artists both as guest conductors and soloists. Those include Frank Foster, Maria Schneider, Greg Hopkins, Bob Mintzer, Bill Holman, New York Voices, the Icelandic drummer Peter Ostlund, the Swedish arranger Daniel Nolgard and Fredrik Noren. Tim Hagans, Jens Winter and Lasse Lindgren have also played with the band as well as conducted it.

The Reykjavik Big Band has gotten great reviews for its performances both home and overseas. The band received the Icelandic Music Award in 2005 for best jazz performer.