24 modern Jazz artists you need on your radar. Plus a playlist of the best new jazz artists today. Featuring, Ezra Collective, Venna, Nubya Garcia, Yussef Dayes & more
‘Jazz artists’ conjures up images of the great classics like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. But there’s a new school of modern Jazz artists re-imagining and reinventing contemporary Jazz for today (sometimes called ‘nu jazz‘). These artists are able to stay true to the essence of Jazz whilst infusing a spectrum of modern influences in their sound. We’re always here for it – good music is always inspired, yet spurred onwards by sounds of the past.
From London in particular, there’s been a real groundswell of modern jazz talent, including Ezra Collective, Steam Down, Nubya Garcia, Tom Misch, Moses Boyd and Kamaal Williams. But it doesn’t stop there. We also see artists from other UK spots including Nottingham, Oxfordshire and of course, worldwide too.
It’s incredible to see a new generation adopt and reinvent the sound of a timeless genre, proving that ‘good music’ not only lives on but thrives. We are ecstatic about all this fresh and developing talent. So here’s a list of nu jazz / modern Jazz artists you should have on your radar and on your playlists.
1. Ezra Collective
Formed of 5 of London’s premiere instrumentalists, Ezra collective are championing the new wave of UK Jazz music. The rich instrumentals played flawlessly throughout their songs, leave you appreciating their individual display of talent. The quintet led by drummer, Femi Koleoso, are pioneers in the renaissance of modern Jazz. They have crafted a unique lane in Jazz that is true to its roots, yet experiments with sounds from Afrobeat to Hip Hop and even UK Grime. Ezra Collective solidified their place with their sophomore album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be‘. They also stunned the music scene with their stellar NPR Tiny Desk set.
2. Nubya Garcia
Nubya Nyasha Garcia is a British jazz artist, saxophonist, composer and bandleader. Her debut album, Source, is a modern Jazz masterpiece. Fusing elements of Afrobeats, Neo-Soul and experimental sounds, the project is guided along by the powerfully evocative tenor sax playing of Nubya on lead. From humble beginnings, Nubya has truly managed to carve out a space for herself as one of modern Jazz’ strongest players. She’s earned herself a Tiny Desk Concert that’s a jazzy dream. An exceptional talent.
3. Alfa Mist
Alfa Mist is a talented pianist and music producer from in Newham, East London. He weaves heavy beats into his music and released a solo piano project entitled On My Ones recently. The tracks are very indicative of what many have experienced with the global pandemic quarantines.
One of his popular songs ‘Keep On’, from his debut EP ‘Antiphon’, has received over 5 million Spotify Streams and the contemporary jazz elements take a strong lead on this track. Having collaborated with Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei and Barney Artist, Alfa Mist is a keen collaborator with British Jazz and R&B artists.
4. Yussef Dayes
Yussef Dayes is a drummer and composer with deep roots in the South London jazz scene. He has grown his reputation through a broad network of collaborators in the scene, including Freddie Gibbs, Tom Misch, Masego, Alfa Mist and more. In 2023, he released Black Classical Music, his most monumental album yet and widely renowned as 2023’s best Jazz album. Dive into that masterpiece to enjoy the best of modern Jazz.
5. Masego
27-year-old Masego, is a talented musician both as a vocalist and instrumentalist. Born and raised in Virginia, Masego plays the saxophone into much of his music. His gentle vocals flow throughout his work and ‘Queen Tings’ is a refreshing example of a contemporary jazz song. He smashed it with the music video, released last year, which has received over 4.2 million views.
6. Cherise
With a voice of silk, Cherise has already been recognised as Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year for 2020. In 2021, Cherise released her EP REMEDY, a refreshing blend of the best of vocal Jazz, Soul with touches of modern R&B. It earmarks her clearly as a modern jazz artist to watch in the years to come.
7. Venna
Grammy award-winning producer and saxophonist, Venna recently released his sophomore project, EQUINOX. Featuring a slew of the most luxurious spring-perfect singles, EQUINOX captures the essence of the best of modern jazz today. Infusing Hip Hop and R&B, primarily through features from the likes of Knucks and Mick Jenkins, still Venna manages to make you feel like you’re in a 70s Jazz piano bar. Give Venna a spin for a jazz artist today that makes music that feels dreamy and wistful, yet expensive.
8. Camille Munn
Blessing us with her debut album ‘November’ last year, Camille’s calm and chilled vocals neatly fit into the contemporary jazz genre. Her musical inspirations include Musiq Soulchild, Lauryn Hill and D’angelo, and these rich influences are evidently transferred into her music. ‘Sunsets With You’ is her latest single release and has received over 21K Spotify streams.
Camille has more plans to release music over the rest of the year and we cannot wait to hear what she has in store!
9. Oreglo
Another collective from London’s exploding Jazz scene, Oreglo, recently blew up on TikTok for a video showcasing their unique blend of Jazz and UK Drill. But this was just one example of their wide ranging experimentation. Only one official single in, Oreglo have already made their mark as one of the most exciting new artists in Jazz today. The demos the collective share of music they have coming have us excited for more from these modern jazz artists.
10. Harleighblu
Dressed in blonde dreadlocks, songstress Harleighblu biggest musical influences include Jill Scott, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. The Nottingham based singer carries a deep bass-like tone in her voice, but can also solemnly switch her vocal range to hit higher tempos. Her Sofa Sounds session is a brilliant demonstration of her vibrant personality and style that comes through when listening to her music.
11. Nubiyan Twist
Three-piece band Nubiyan Twist met when they played together at Leeds College of Music. A previous performer at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival, ‘Figure Numantic’ is a popular track of theirs, having received over 2 million Spotify streams. Their sound oozes authenticity and creates a warm live environment as if you are at one of their shows.
12. Moses Boyd
Releasing his debut album ‘Dark Matter’ on his own Exodus label in February, Moses Boyd is a modern jazz drummer from Catford, South London. A multi-talented musician, Boyd has displayed his array of talent as a producer, band leader, drummer and collaborator. Boyd has worked with fellow Londoner, Poppy Ajudha. His ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ music video is an intriguing watch as it is a negative light depiction of his musical talents.
13. Oscar Jerome
Amiable singer-songwriter Oscar Jerome gives off Jamiroquai vibes. His experimental music video ‘Give Back What You Stole From Me’ is incredibly innovative as it features him in uncomfortable positions pushed against an apparent glass wall. Growing up in a household that often played jazz and funk, Oscar fuses this into his music, whilst adding a unique neo-soul twist.
14. Yazmin Lacey
From East-end to Nottingham, Yazmin Lacey possesses a refreshingly gentle yet powerful voice. Embedding her London roots into her music, her London twang is pretty distinct on some of her tracks, despite her regional move. This is proudly shown through one of her recent releases entitled ‘Not Today Mate’, which has received over 14K YouTube views.
15. Kamaal Williams
Hailing from Peckham, keyboardist Kamaal Williams is crafting an innovative sound through his work, giving an alternative jazz feel through electronic elements embedded, whilst also maintaining a slow tempo on some songs.
His song ‘Mr Wu’, (another name he is known by, taken from his Taiwonese mother’s name) has received over 19K YouTube views. The video is a pretty cool looped illustration of an animated keyboardist.
16. Blue Lab Beats
A jazztronica duo that make Jazz cool. Blue Lab Beats bring Jazz, Neo-Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Electronica and more. Blue Lab Beats exemplify the perfect amalgamation of the golden eras of Jazz and Hip Hop. They’ve released two stellar albums with collaborators including Sampa The Great, Tiana Major 9, Kojey Radical, Kin Kai & Jaz Karis, Nubya Garcia, Moses Boyd and Ashley Henry. Some of the leaders of the new wave of Jazz.
17. Poppy Ajudha
Singer-songwriter, Poppy Ajudha was born to a British mother and a St Lucia-born father. In her own words, Poppy shares that ”my songs talk about my personal experiences, which are things that affect many young women whether it’s to do with race, class, gender, sexuality or the constant pressure to prove your worth”.
The depth of her lyrics are apparent to any listener and she has collaborated with Tom Misch on ‘Disco Yes’ which has received over 31 million streams on Spotify.
18. Cecily
Serving groovy vibes in her music, Cecily’s ethereal melodic vocals are a perfect addition to the genre. Releasing her song ‘Clumsy’ this year, her angelic voice complements any backing track she flows on. DC-based, Cecily’s sound is rich and mature.
The singer has opened shows for award winning artists including Gregory Porter and Johnny Gill. She has also performed at the legendary venues Apolo Music Café and The Hamilton. Dedicated to her craft, Cecily’s talent is being recognised more and more.
19. Yakul
Harbouring a gentle soothing sound, Yakul is a Brightonian four-piece, each presenting groovy vibes to listeners. Releasing their debut album ‘Getting Late’ in 2019, the creative collective emulates a sound reminiscent of J Dilla, coupled with experimental sounds similar to Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote.
20. Steam Down
Another exciting addition to the new sound of London Jazz artists, Steam Down is a multi-disciplinary arts and music collective who have scored guest appearances from greats like Kamasi Washington and have graced the stage at Glastonbury Festival. The Orchestra also hold a residency at The Albany, Buster Mantis in Deptford, South East London.
21. Ego Ella May
Hailing from South London, Ego Ella May fuses soul and modern jazz elements into her music. Her mellow vocals float over all of her tracks. ‘Give A Little’ is one of her recent releases and truly gives off the smooth vibe we seek when listening to jazz artists.
The song comes from her recently released album ‘Honey For Wounds’, and the video currently has received over 71K views and was just released in June.
Some of Ego’s musical collaborations include Emmavie, Nubiyan Twist and IAMNOBODI.
22. Ashley Henry
South East London jazz musician and rapper, Ashley Henry, discovered Jazz after studying classical piano. Describing his music, he states ”the immigrant in me has musical roots that are traced back to the 1600s, so it’s important my music today reflects that across different genres and generations.”
Henry released his debut album ‘Beautiful Vinyl Hunter’ in 2019 and has supported rapper Loyle Carner at a sold-out Roundhouse gig. He certainly leads with a jazz inspired theme across his work.
23. Joe Armon-Jones
Born in Oxfordshire, Joe Armon-James was born to musician parents and grew up as a pianist. Releasing his debut album ‘Starting Today’ in 2018, his song ‘Almost Went Too Far’ off of the album, has received over 2 million streams on Spotify. The album artwork is a cool decoration and peak into a musician’s workspace and mind. Now London based, Joe has collaborated with jazz artists Ezra Collective.
24. Fatima
Fatima is a shining star for the beautiful space where contemporary Jazz meets R&B. This modern jazz artist has jazz as the base of the sound of her music and production. But has the powerhouse vocal chops and melodic delivery of R&B. She never fails to dazzle with her unique slant on modern Jazz, earning the respect and collabs of peers like Joe Armon-Jones, Floating Points, Knxwledge and more. A stand-out is her 2022 offering, #1, a lush drum-led track produced by Joe Armon-Jones.
There is so much more to come for these jazz artists and we are so here for it!
