Jazz is a music that has had an outstanding history that is still alive so it is still receiving a lot of global attention. In 2024, the jazz landscape was booming with new faces and modernists who tried to diversify the style and it playfully exposed its inner hollow through its definite channels. Nowadays’ jazz musicians not only break the standard jazz’ border but also extend their spectral range by merging it with different surroundings and freestyling to form new sounds. This keynote will send us to the universe, a space where not less than 24 new jazz artists of fresh music are now tasked with the preservation and future of jazz music.
24 Modern Jazz Artists to Watch in 2024:
1. Ezra Collective – Ezra Collective is a creation of five genius innovative instrumentalists from the UK which is the main force behind the new Oak of UK jazz. A real blend of genres, like jazz and Afrobeat, in their music their extraordinary timing is the hallmark of their performance that drives people from all around the world to join them in their concerts.
2. Nubya Garcia – A British saxophonist performer who has been growing in popularity due to the innovative way in which she incorporates jazz into her performance. Her first album, “Source” and higher grade, accurately tones her perfections on saxophone and also gives a blend of diverse genres e.g. Afrobeats and neo-soul and these remain unique to her works alone.
3. Alfa Mist – A pianist and producer from London, Alfa Mist is also based in Newham East London. His music is genreless and is a mix of jazz, hip-hop, and electronica. His harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and melodies came together in the form of an orchestral arrangement that is not only captivating but also takes the listener into the audio space.
4. Yussef Dayes – Not just drummer and composer Yussef Dayes, perhaps an undisputed star of South London jazz, paints a big picture of his enormous talent. Dayes’ album, Black Classical Music, literally explodes jazz music into a new genre such as the fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic style which exhibits his huge drumming talent and exploration spirit in them.
5. Masego – Masego, is from Virginia, and his style is unusual; he combines jazz, R&B, and hip-hop sounds. The vocals and performance on his instrument, a special saxophone, are realistic and awesome, attracting the audience. One of his songs “Queen Tings” shows the charisma and talent he has.
6. Cherise – Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year in 2020 continues that long sequence of hypes with her enthralling mix-up of jazz and R&B. “ReMedY” by her is just a piece of her multiplicity so that the EP includes songs such as “Remedy” and “Love Me B4” that feature her rich vocals, strong songwriting and sensitive nature.
7. Venna – He is a Grammy award-winning producer and saxophonist Venna who redefines the limit of jazz through his second album EQUINOX. He fuses hip-hop melodies and R&B with jazz to achieve a unique sound that has both classic and modern appeal and has his most well-known tracks in the songs “99” and “No Confusion.”
8. Camille Munn – Camille Munn’s jazz album “November” is the live proof of her as the best in the genre of female vocals. The album comprises tracks which include “Sunsets With You” and “Be with Me Before.” However, what brings a particular quality of depth to this album is her mellow voice which she uses skillfully.
9. Oreglo – Flowing from UK drills into a very personal style of Jazz, London-based collective Oreglo puts together an unusual but awesome ensemble. This is only the first chance for the musicians to find their music plate through the release of tracks like “Levels’ ‘ and ” Drill Jazz” that show the way they are changing their style of music.
10. Harleighblu – Nottingham-based songstress Harleighblu is renowned for her soulful mix of jazz, funk, and R&B Songs like “Call” and “This Way” demonstrate her expressive range as a singer, which has also led to her being compared to jazz greats such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
11. Nubiyan Twist – The Nubiyan Twist, a Leeds-based music band, popularises these genres by creating an amazing fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and funk. The tracks “Borders” and “Figure Numantic” demonstrate their thrilling energy and ability to perform complex musical arrangements, being the reason they earned the audience and obtained critical reviews.
12. Moses Boyd – South London musical drummer Moses Boyd is now part of contemporary jazz with the genre mixing the many styles of music. His all-time hit album “Dark Matter” clearly sees his talents and overall signature approach to rhythm and melody. Some of the songs, such as “Stranger Than Fiction” and “What Now?” are superb works that brought him worldwide appeal to fans as well as big sales.
13. Oscar Jerome – The jazz music scene was turned around by musician/singer Oscar Jerome with his groundbreaking style and mesmerizing singing. Both “Give Back What U Stole From Me” and “Timeless” present Coltrane’s musical milestone in the fusion of pop, jazz, and R&B. I suppose he can be compared to some jazz legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
14. Yazmin Lacey – East London-based singer Yazmin Lacey whose gentle, yet profound, voice has been likened to that of the legends of jazz that are Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone. Such songs as “Not Today Mate” and “90 Degrees”, make use of her fine voice and warm writing which have helped her to draw a crowd of devoted followers as well as critics.
15. Kamaal Williams – This keyboardist from Peckham is renowned for the genre-blending nature of his compositions which are composed of jazz, funk, and electronica elements. “Uncle Gong” and “Broken Theme,”, where he displays his advanced keyboard expertise and improvisational skill, having been rated as some of the best jazz pieces of all time by masters of jazz Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner.
16. Blue Lab Beats – The Jazztronica duo that is Blue Lab Beats is back and recreating the reality of Jazz fusion. As manifested in the tracks “Next (Wake Up)” and “Sam Cooke & Marvin Gaye,” they appear quite sophisticated using jazz elements smoothly with their music, earning them the reputation of great music innovators, drawing comparison with giants of jazz like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
17. Poppy Ajudha – Singer-Songwriter Similar to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, the supremely talented singer-songwriter, Poppy Ajudha’s music employs soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. Songs like “Watermelon Man” and “Devil’s Juice” shine a light on the singer’s storytelling, melodious songs, and distinctive writing style, and that is why she quickly won the hearts of the public and got a critical appraisal.
18. Cecily – Washington DC’s singer Cecily combines jazz, R&B, and neo-soul to formulate a tune as smooth as milk and chocolate. “Clumsy” and “Pisces” are tracks that feature her strong vocals and narrative writing, both of which are her forte and the reason for her recognition as the next Ava Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald.
19. Yakul – This well-known Brighton-based band has been described as genre-suspending and many others, they come up with a sound that is a fusion of jazz, funk, and electronica. “Getting Late” and “Blossoming” songs are the best examples of their talent in music composition, energy, and rhythm. It brought the names of legends of jazz such as Roy Ayers and Herbie Hancock to their door.
20. Steam Down – A multi-disciplinary arts and music collective with no limits for jazz, Steam Down brings genre innovation with their blurred compositions. “Etcetera” and “Free My Skin” – these songs, particularly, demonstrate their versatility and varied sources of inspiration, and such diversity resulted in them being compared to the greatest of the giants, Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders.
21. Ego Ella May – South London house of Ego Ella May’s soulful vocals and reflective lyrics have pitched her among some of the all-time jazz greats, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. “Give A Little” and ‘So Far’, where her storyline and lyrical dexterity, particularly captivate her fans and critics altogether.
22. Ashley Henry – A jazz musician from South East of London, Ashley is renowned for his genre-bending music which takes inspiration from jazz, hip-hop, and electronic genres. Songs such as “Between the Lines” and “Dark Honey” exemplify his work with music and creativity, letting one discern he is in the same line as great jazz icons like Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk.
23. Joe Armon-Jones – Jacob Armon-Jones from Oxfordshire is a pianist who is not usually confined to a single genre but mixes jazz, funk, and electronics harmoniously in his compositions. In tracks like “Almost Went Too Far” or “Pray”, his remarkable keyboard ability and versatile improvisational style positioned him for a comparison with Herbie Hancock or Chick Corea; jazz-music icons.
24. Fatima – While Fatima splits her time among genres, she is often compared to legends such as Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday in her heart- inspiring vocal abilities and unique compositions. “Dang” and “La Neta” are among the tracks that prove her diversity in musical skills and more personal storytelling delivering her to dedicated listeners, global recognition, and multiple awards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of jazz looks bright and fine. The fact is the new jazz makers are talented and they will carry the culture of jazz to the next generation. Global movements of musicians from London to LA keep opening new frontiers and borders in jazz by exploring new territories that are fresh and unheard of.
Whether you are a diehard jazz lover who has been passionately following the genre for many years or a curious learner who is still discovering jazz, there is no better time than now to support upcoming jazz musicians. Therefore, just find a quiet place and enjoy the sounds coming from these great artists that will lead you to the world of jazz music. Explore more jazz music songs and discover new jazz artists.