In recent years, the resurgence of jazz has gained momentum, with a fresh wave of contemporary artists breathing new life into this timeless genre. What began as an American art form in the early 20th century has evolved, redefined itself, and found new expressions through different eras—swing, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion. Now, a new generation of musicians is revitalizing jazz, blending tradition with innovation and reaching younger audiences who may have once thought of the genre as an artifact of the past. These artists are proving that jazz, with its improvisational spirit and rich history, is as relevant and exciting today as it ever was.
The Evolution of Jazz
Jazz originated in the African American communities of New Orleans, where a fusion of blues, ragtime, and brass band traditions created a new, dynamic sound. Its infectious rhythms, improvisational techniques, and emotional depth quickly spread across the United States and the world, becoming the soundtrack of the Roaring Twenties. Over time, jazz has evolved into various subgenres, from the bebop revolution of the 1940s, which introduced complex harmonies and fast tempos, to the smooth, laid-back cool jazz of the 1950s and the experimental jazz fusion of the 1960s and 1970s. By the late 20th century, jazz was seen by many as a niche genre, overshadowed by the meteoric rise of rock, pop, and hip-hop. Yet, in this period of perceived decline, jazz was not disappearing but transforming, incubating in the hands of musicians who sought to preserve its essence while pushing its boundaries.
The New Generation of Jazz Artists
Today, jazz is experiencing a revival, led by a diverse array of young artists who are redefining the genre for the modern era. These musicians are not only paying homage to jazz’s rich history but are also incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic music, RandB, and tubidy world music into their work. They are creating a hybrid sound that is fresh, innovative, and speaks to a broader audience, crossing cultural and generational boundaries.
Kamasi Washington: Jazz’s New Standard Bearer
Kamasi Washington, a tenor saxophonist and composer from Los Angeles, is at the forefront of the jazz revival movement. His 2015 triple album, The Epic, brought jazz back into the cultural conversation, blending traditional jazz elements with funk, soul, and classical influences. At nearly three hours long, The Epic was an audacious statement, and its critical and commercial success helped introduce a new generation of listeners to the genre. Washington’s music is known for its grand scope and spiritual themes, echoing the works of jazz legends like John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. But his appeal extends beyond the jazz purists. Washington has collaborated with hip-hop and RandB artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat, making his work accessible to fans of contemporary popular music. His ability to bridge these worlds has been instrumental in bringing jazz back into the mainstream consciousness.
Robert Glasper: Where Jazz Meets Hip-Hop
Another key figure in the jazz revival is pianist Robert Glasper, whose genre-defying sound blends jazz with hip-hop and neo-soul. Glasper’s 2012 album, Black Radio, which featured collaborations with Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Mos Def, won a Grammy for Best RandB Album and helped solidify his reputation as a pioneer of modern jazz. Glasper’s music reflects the blurred lines between jazz and other genres, particularly hip-hop, which has long sampled jazz in its beats and rhythms. His work showcases the fluidity of jazz as a genre that can evolve and adapt while staying true to its improvisational core. His Black Radio series has been crucial in bringing jazz to younger, more diverse audiences, many of whom may not have previously engaged with the genre.
Esperanza Spalding: Jazz Innovation and Activism
Esperanza Spalding, a bassist, vocalist, and composer, is another artist who is reshaping the jazz landscape. Spalding’s music blends jazz with classical, folk, and world music influences, and she is known for her virtuosic playing and genre-defying compositions. Her 2011 Grammy win for Best New Artist, where she beat out pop sensation Justin Bieber, was a landmark moment for jazz, signaling the genre’s continued relevance in the broader music world. Spalding is not only a musical innovator but also a social activist, using her platform to address issues such as racial justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Her experimental album, 12 Little Spells, combines music with healing practices, and her bold, unconventional approach to both music and life has made her a role model for a new generation of musicians and fans alike.
Sons of Kemet: Afrobeat and Jazz Fusion
British band Sons of Kemet, led by saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, represents the international face of the jazz revival. Their sound blends jazz with Afrobeat, Caribbean rhythms, and political commentary, reflecting the diasporic nature of modern jazz. Sons of Kemet’s music are rhythmic and energetic, driven by Hutchings’ fiery saxophone and the propulsive beats of two drummers. Their 2018 album Your Queen Is a Reptile was a critical success, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and widespread acclaim for its fusion of jazz with elements of funk, reggae, and African music. The band’s socially conscious lyrics and dynamic live performances have made them a favorite among younger audiences, particularly in the UK, where jazz’s resurgence has been notably strong.
Makaya McCraven: The Beat Scientist
Chicago-based drummer and producer Makaya McCraven has earned a reputation as a beat scientist for his innovative approach to jazz. McCraven’s music blends live jazz improvisation with studio production techniques typically associated with hip-hop, creating a sound that is both organic and meticulously crafted. McCraven’s 2018 album Universal Beings was a standout in the jazz world, featuring collaborations with rising stars of the genre such as bassist Junius Paul and harpist Brandee Younger. His ability to seamlessly blend live and sampled sounds has made him a key figure in the genre’s revival, particularly among fans of electronic and experimental music.
The Role of Technology and Social Media
The jazz revival owes much of its success to technology and social media, which have made it easier for artists to share their work with global audiences. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made jazz more accessible to younger listeners, while platforms like YouTube and Instagram have allowed artists to build their followings and connect directly with fans.
