Jazz music has been around for centuries, and it continues to evolve and captivate audiences around the world. From London to New Orleans, jazz musicians are creating something new and exciting, merging jazz with hip-hop, African music, rock and more. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best jazz musicians of today, from Esperanza Spalding to Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah. Esperanza Spalding has burst onto the scene in the last decade or so, with her unique mix of playing the double bass and singing (often at the same time).
Her voice is reminiscent of a young Joni Mitchell, and her music blends jazz and R&B in a way that is both sensual and captivating. She has released several albums, including her most recent solo piano project titled On My Ones. From London, there has been a real wave of talent, including Ezra Collective, Steam Down, Nubya Garcia, Tom Misch, Moses Boyd and Kamaal Williams. Alfa Mist is a talented pianist and music producer from Newham, east London who weaves heavy rhythms into his music.
Tiana Major9 is another special talent from East London who has signed to Motown Records and scored an incredible concert in the movie 'Queen & Slim' with her relaxing single 'Collide'.Yazmin Lacey is a refreshing singer-songwriter from East-End to Nottingham. Her music incorporates her London roots into her music, with her London twang being quite different on some of her tracks. Ashley Henry is a jazz musician and rapper from South East London who discovered jazz after studying classical piano. His central achievement is to bridge the gap between the supposed high and the low. The three-piece band Nubiyan Twist met when they played together at Leeds College of Music.
Former performer at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival, 'Figure Numantic' is a popular song of his, having received more than 2 million Spotify streams. Their sound exudes authenticity and creates a warm live atmosphere. Shabaka Hutchings was born in London but raised in Barbados. He can make the transition between clarinet and saxophone with surprising ease, while his music respects the origins of jazz but also includes a variety of influences. Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah is an award-winning trumpet player from New Orleans whose goal is to always keep the listener on the edge of their seat. Aaron Diehl has taken five years to release his third album as leader, but The Vagabond is unmistakable.
He chooses Mozart in Gershwin, Scarlatti in Kern, plays base with a couple of his favorite standards, explores Monk, takes off Stevie Wonder's cap. As the third decade of the 21st century begins, many young jazz musicians are doing more than paying homage to the roots of jazz; they are creating something new and exciting that ensures jazz remains as relevant and engaging as it ever was. These are some of the best jazz musicians today who are pushing boundaries and creating something truly unique.
