Glossary

12.3 Prominent contemporary jazz musicians

3 min read•july 25, 2024

Contemporary jazz is evolving, blending traditional elements with modern influences. Artists like , , and are pushing boundaries, incorporating diverse styles and techniques into their music.

This fusion of jazz with classical, popular, and world music has broadened its appeal. Contemporary jazz musicians are making waves in mainstream media, expanding education programs, and inspiring new generations of artists and listeners alike.

Contemporary Jazz Musicians and Their Impact

Key contemporary jazz musicians

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  • Wynton Marsalis trumpeter and composer advocates for traditional jazz and classical music leads Jazz at Lincoln Center won Pulitzer Prize for "" (1997) demonstrates technical proficiency and approach

  • Joshua Redman saxophonist and composer son of jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman blends traditional and contemporary jazz styles showcases melodic improvisation and accessible compositions collaborates with diverse musicians across genres (hip-hop, classical)

  • Esperanza Spalding bassist, vocalist, and composer first jazz musician to win for Best New Artist (2011) incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and world music displays virtuosic bass playing and unique vocal style advocates for music education and social justice

Fusion in contemporary jazz

  • Traditional jazz elements integrated swing rhythms, improvisation, blues-based harmonies (12-bar blues)

  • Classical music techniques incorporated complex harmonic structures, extended compositional forms (suites, concertos), orchestral instruments (violin, cello)

  • Popular music influences blended hip-hop rhythms and production techniques, electronic instruments and effects (synthesizers, loopers), rock and funk grooves (backbeat, syncopation)

  • Cross-genre collaborations flourished jazz musicians working with hip-hop artists ( with ), world music elements (, ), fusion with electronic dance music ()

Impact on 21st century jazz

  • Increased visibility in mainstream media through appearances on late-night talk shows (), collaborations with pop artists (), social media presence and online platforms (, )

  • Expansion of jazz education programs university jazz studies departments grew, jazz workshops and clinics proliferated, online educational resources developed (, )

  • Influence on younger generations inspired new approaches to composition and improvisation, encouraged genre-blending and experimentation (, )

  • Preservation and evolution of jazz traditions reinterpreted classic jazz repertoire, created new standards and original compositions ('s "")

  • Broadening of jazz audience demographics attracted younger listeners, appealed to diverse cultural backgrounds through fusion and cross-cultural collaborations

Approaches of contemporary jazz musicians

  • Traditional vs. experimental approaches some musicians focus on preserving classic jazz styles (Wynton Marsalis), others push boundaries with avant-garde techniques ()

  • Acoustic vs. electronic instrumentation use of traditional jazz instruments (acoustic piano, upright bass) contrasted with incorporation of synthesizers and electronic effects (Robert Glasper, )

  • Composition-focused vs. improvisation-focused emphasis on intricate, pre-written arrangements () versus priority given to spontaneous, in-the-moment creation ('s solo concerts)

  • Solo careers vs. collaborative projects musicians who primarily perform and record as bandleaders (Kamasi Washington) contrasted with those who frequently participate in diverse ensembles and collaborations (Esperanza Spalding)

  • Cultural influences integration of specific cultural or ethnic musical traditions ('s Middle Eastern influences) versus focus on American jazz roots ()

  • Social and political engagement musicians who use their art for activism and social commentary () contrasted with those who prioritize pure musical expression without overt messages (Brad Mehldau)

Key Terms to Review (28)

Afro-Cuban: Afro-Cuban refers to the rich cultural and musical contributions that stem from the African diaspora in Cuba, blending African traditions with Spanish influences. This fusion has played a pivotal role in shaping various music genres, particularly jazz, by incorporating complex rhythms, call-and-response patterns, and rich percussion elements that are characteristic of African music traditions.
Ambrose Akinmusire: Ambrose Akinmusire is a contemporary jazz trumpeter and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz music, blending traditional elements with modern influences. He has gained recognition for his unique sound, technical prowess, and the ability to convey deep emotion through his performances and compositions, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.
Avishai Cohen: Avishai Cohen is an acclaimed Israeli double bassist, composer, and bandleader, known for his innovative contributions to contemporary jazz. His music blends elements of jazz with Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and classical influences, creating a unique sound that has garnered international recognition. Cohen's ability to seamlessly integrate different musical traditions reflects his diverse background and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz.
Berklee online: Berklee Online is the online extension of Berklee College of Music, offering a wide array of music courses, degrees, and certificates designed for aspiring musicians and music industry professionals. This platform provides students with the flexibility to learn from anywhere while accessing top-tier music education and resources, making it a significant player in contemporary music education.
Blood on the Fields: 'Blood on the Fields' is a jazz oratorio composed by Wynton Marsalis that tells the story of African American life through the lens of jazz music. It explores themes of struggle, resilience, and cultural identity, drawing connections between historical events and the evolution of jazz as an art form. This piece showcases Marsalis's ability to blend narrative storytelling with complex musical structures, reflecting both personal and collective experiences within the African American community.
Brad Mehldau: Brad Mehldau is a renowned American jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz in the contemporary scene. His work merges elements of classical music, rock, and popular song forms, showcasing his ability to blend various musical genres. Mehldau's improvisational style and lyrical playing have made him a prominent figure in 21st-century jazz, influencing a new generation of musicians and expanding the boundaries of jazz performance.
Christian McBride: Christian McBride is a renowned American jazz double bassist, composer, and bandleader, recognized for his virtuosic playing and deep understanding of jazz traditions. He embodies the spirit of neo-traditionalism and the Young Lions movement, blending classic jazz elements with contemporary influences. His work has made significant contributions to the modern jazz scene, showcasing the importance of both innovation and heritage in music.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a contemporary American jazz trumpeter, composer, and producer known for his innovative approach to jazz that blends traditional elements with modern influences. He is celebrated for his unique sound, which incorporates a range of genres, including hip-hop and R&B, while also addressing social issues through his music, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.
Esperanza Spalding: Esperanza Spalding is an acclaimed American jazz bassist, vocalist, and composer known for her innovative contributions to contemporary jazz. Her music blends various genres, incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and R&B, which showcases her versatility as an artist. Spalding has gained recognition not only for her technical proficiency on the bass but also for her distinct vocal style and songwriting abilities.
Flying Lotus: Flying Lotus is a highly influential music producer and artist known for blending elements of jazz, electronic music, hip-hop, and experimental sounds. His innovative approach to music has made him a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, impacting the way genres can interconnect and evolve through modern technology and creativity.
Grammy Award: The Grammy Award is an accolade presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence in the recording industry. Established in 1959, these awards honor artistic and technical achievements in various music genres, including jazz. Winning a Grammy can significantly elevate an artist's career and provide wider recognition for their contributions, particularly in the realms of influential female jazz vocalists and contemporary jazz musicians.
Highway Rider: The term 'highway rider' refers to a specific style of jazz performance that emerged prominently among contemporary musicians. It embodies a fusion of improvisation and narrative storytelling within the music, often reflecting themes of travel, movement, and the American landscape. This concept resonates with the broader cultural shifts in jazz, where musicians explore new sounds and ideas while maintaining a connection to their roots.
Indian Classical: Indian Classical refers to the rich musical traditions of India that encompass two main styles: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) music. These traditions are characterized by intricate melodic frameworks called ragas and rhythmic patterns known as talas, deeply rooted in cultural, spiritual, and historical contexts.
Jacob Collier: Jacob Collier is a contemporary British musician and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative approach to music, blending genres such as jazz, pop, and classical. His unique style incorporates complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and impressive vocal techniques, making him a standout figure in modern music and a significant presence in the contemporary jazz scene.
Jazzed: Jazzed refers to a heightened state of excitement or enthusiasm, particularly in the context of music and performance. It can describe the energetic vibe that jazz musicians bring to their craft, influencing how they interact with their audience and each other during performances. This term encapsulates the essence of jazz as a dynamic and improvisational art form that thrives on spontaneity and emotional expression.
Joshua Redman: Joshua Redman is an acclaimed American jazz saxophonist and composer known for his innovative approach and distinctive sound. He emerged as a prominent figure in the 1990s, associated with the Neo-traditionalism and Young Lions movement, which aimed to revitalize jazz by blending traditional elements with contemporary influences. His contributions have solidified him as a leading voice among contemporary jazz musicians.
Kamasi Washington: Kamasi Washington is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to jazz and his contributions to the contemporary music scene. His work blends elements of traditional jazz with influences from hip-hop, R&B, and classical music, making him a prominent figure in the 21st-century jazz landscape.
Keith Jarrett: Keith Jarrett is an influential American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his improvisational skills and innovative fusion of jazz styles. He has made significant contributions to both traditional jazz and the avant-garde scene, showcasing a unique ability to blend straight-ahead jazz with classical influences and world music elements. His work has impacted the evolution of contemporary jazz, particularly through his solo performances and recordings that define the ECM sound.
Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his profound lyrical content and innovative style that blends hip-hop with jazz influences. His work has significantly impacted contemporary music, particularly in how jazz elements are incorporated into modern rap, leading to a new wave of jazz-infused hip-hop.
Maria Schneider Orchestra: The Maria Schneider Orchestra is a prominent jazz ensemble led by composer and conductor Maria Schneider, known for its innovative blend of jazz with classical elements and rich, textured compositions. This orchestra has gained recognition for its unique approach to orchestration and arrangement, which incorporates a wide array of influences and showcases the talents of its individual musicians.
Neo-traditional: Neo-traditional refers to a movement within jazz that embraces and revitalizes earlier styles while incorporating contemporary influences. This approach often emphasizes the importance of tradition in jazz music, while allowing for personal expression and innovation, blending elements from various jazz eras to create a fresh sound. Musicians associated with this movement aim to honor the roots of jazz while also pushing its boundaries forward.
Norah Jones: Norah Jones is a prominent contemporary jazz musician known for her unique blend of jazz, pop, and soul music. Emerging in the early 2000s, she gained widespread acclaim for her soothing vocals and compelling songwriting, becoming one of the best-selling female artists of her generation. Her style incorporates elements of classic jazz while appealing to a broader audience, thereby bridging the gap between traditional jazz and contemporary music.
Robert Glasper: Robert Glasper is a renowned jazz pianist and music producer known for his innovative blend of jazz with other genres like hip-hop and R&B. His work reflects the evolution of jazz in the 21st century, showcasing unique styles and innovations while influencing contemporary jazz musicians and bridging the gap between jazz and hip-hop.
Spotify: Spotify is a digital music streaming service that allows users to access a vast library of music, podcasts, and other audio content. It has transformed how music is consumed in the 21st century, enabling artists to reach global audiences while also influencing the styles and innovations within contemporary jazz.
The Tonight Show: The Tonight Show is a long-running American television talk show that first premiered in 1954, serving as a significant platform for music, comedy, and entertainment. Known for its blend of celebrity interviews and musical performances, the show has featured many prominent contemporary jazz musicians, providing them with a unique opportunity to reach wider audiences and showcase their talents.
Vijay Iyer: Vijay Iyer is a renowned contemporary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to jazz that integrates various musical genres and cultures. His work exemplifies the evolving styles of jazz in the 21st century, merging traditional elements with modern techniques and influences from hip-hop, classical music, and Indian music.
Wynton Marsalis: Wynton Marsalis is an acclaimed American trumpeter, composer, and bandleader known for his virtuosic playing and dedication to jazz. He has played a significant role in reviving traditional jazz forms and promoting the genre through education and performance. His impact on contemporary jazz has been felt across various aspects, including solo performance, ensemble work, and as a spokesperson for the art form.
YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, share, and view videos. It has become a crucial medium for contemporary jazz musicians to reach audiences globally, showcase their work, and engage with fans. This platform enables artists to not only present their music but also share performances, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content, significantly impacting how jazz is consumed and appreciated in the modern era.
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