Jazz keeps on changing, and a new generation of great musicians is bringing new energy to the music. Through soulful singing, creative instrumentalizing, or fusions that combine elements from a variety of styles, these musicians are redefining jazz for generations to come.
See 23 of the best jazz musicians working today redefine the music!
1. Joe Armon-Jones
Blending the edges of funk and jazz, Joe Armon-Jones produces rich soundscapes that reinterpret modern jazz. On his debut album Starting Today, he showcases his piano virtuosity and skill at weaving intricate rhythms into grounding, soulful songs.
2. Ezra Collective
London’s dynamic five-piece band is at the forefront of the UK jazz renaissance. Known for their electrifying live performances, Ezra Collective fuses Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and Grime, creating vibrant albums like Where I’m Meant To Be that resonate with global audiences.
3. Poppy Ajudha
A fiery songwriter and singer, Poppy Ajudha’s songs explore identity, race, and self-empowerment. Her jazz-infused singles, such as hit single Disco Yes, demonstrate that she can balance high-brow messaging with earworms.
4. Ego Ella May
Ego Ella May’s Honey For Wounds is the epitome of smooth soulful jazz. Tracks like Give A Little are proof of her vocal ability, emotional resonance, and she’s a star of contemporary soul.
5. Cherise
As Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year, Cherise combines modern R&B and jazz in hugely praised EP Remedy. The top new talent on the jazz horizon due to her soulful vocals and crossovers.
6. Ashley Henry
With its jazz-conscious heritage in classical piano music, Ashley Henry’s Beautiful Vinyl Hunter has his genre-bending sound. His sound is grounded but also trend-setting too, presenting a new spin to jazz with a twist.
7. Venna
Grammy-winning saxophonist Venna’s EQUINOX album is the epitome of elegance, fusing jazz with R&B and Hip-Hop. His skill of merging these styles so well has brought him fame from all sections of society as a modern day pioneer of jazz.
8. Alfa Mist
One of the cross-genre pathfinders for R&B and jazz musicians, Alfa Mist has captivated audiences with such contemplative drops as On My Ones and effervescent collabs with Tom Misch. His songs are a weeper’s masterpiece of rhythm, feeling, and soul.
9. Masego
Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and singer Masego presents jazz in a new way through its integration into saxophone-groove headliners and singing. His songs, such as Queen Tings, are an example of how versatile he is and how well-liked he is worldwide.
10. Steam Down
As a multidisciplinary arts collective, Steam Down is the pulsating heartbeat of London’s latest revolution in jazz. With their socially responsible practices and high-energy live shows, they’ve redefined the place of bands in this modern era.
11. Cecily
Washington, D.C.-based Cecily captivates with her heavenly voice and tear-jerking lyrics. Songs like Clumsy show how she can merge soulful storytelling with subtle jazz accompaniment.
12. Nubya Garcia
British jazz’s shining star is Nubya Garcia, and her Source album is an Afrobeats, Neo-Soul, and jazz heritage tapestry of richness. Technically brilliant and spiritually uplifting is her empathetic tenor saxophone sound.
13. Blue Lab Beats
This jazztronica group defies genre boundaries with the blend of jazz and Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Electronica. Extremely in-demand as a guest artist by the industry’s largest stars, Blue Lab Beats creates moody soundscapes that are experimental and funky.
14. Moses Boyd
Moses Boyd is a world-renowned drummer and producer whose Dark Matter takes one on an extensive tour of the jazz universe. His agility in combining electronic timbres and live sounds has made him the genius of the genre.
15.Harleighblu
Harleighblu’s deep, smooth voice and ardor-laced delivery have drawn comparisons to greats like Jill Scott. Her R&B jazz roots give her the standards but with a modern twist that render her a present-day legend.
16. Camille Munn
Born to shine, Camille Munn is a soulful, rich-voiced singer who owns songs like Sunsets With You. She is among the top musicians in the industry with the ability to blend contemporary and jazz styles.
17. Yussef Dayes
A drum genius, Yussef Dayes defies the norm with his 2023 release Black Classical Music. His genre-breaking tracks and innovative rhythms propel him to one of the most exciting acts in contemporary jazz music.
18. Oscar Jerome
Oscar Jerome’s experimental genre of neo-soul, jazz, and funk distinguishes him from the norm. Just like Jamiroquai, his complex music and genre-breaking skills have attracted a devoted following.
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19. Nubiyan Twist
This genre-fusing band captures the spontaneity and energy of live sets. Songs such as Figure Numantic show their ability to mix vintage jazz with new music, new and old compositions.
20. Yakul
Brighton-based Yakul combines jazz with avant garde, drawing from giants J Dilla and Hiatus Kaiyote. Their songs demonstrate the infinite potential of fusion.
21. Oreglo
London’s Oreglo is great for his unapologetic fusion of UK Drill and this genre. His unapologetic experimentation and unapologetic sound breathe new life into both styles, and his tracks are a thrilling and thought-provoking new experience.
22. Kamaal Williams
As an electronic-influenced jazz producer, Kamaal Williams is the epitome of laid-back but innovative vibes. Tracks like Mr. Wu are testament to his skills in crafting atmospheric and textured soundscapes.
23. Yazmin Lacey
With warm, emotional vocals and London-bred accent, Yazmin Lacey is providing soulful warm jazz shows. Her track Not Today Mate is a perfect instance of how she moves people emotionally.
The modern jazz period is in bloom with the variety of artists, from varied backgrounds, driving and reshaping the genre. From Ego Ella May and Cherise’s soul crossovers to Moses Boyd and Oreglo’s test-piece crossovers, these musicians are breathing new life into this genre without ever losing the sight of its rich heritage. Whether it’s Nubya Garcia’s passionate sax, Masego’s genre-mashing abilities, or the blended effervescence of acts like Ezra Collective and Nubiyan Twist, all of these artists featured here are their own individual interpretation of this renaissance.
As jazz continues to expand, these artists remind us of the ever-lasting beauty and endless potential of the music. Not only are they keeping the art alive but building its future as well, so the ideal time is now to learn about their trailblazing music and high-energy lives.
