Contemporary jazz has seen numerous artists taking it by storm, but a handful of them have been around for decades and crowned for being remarkable and distinctive. Guitarist and composer Kurt Rosenwinkel is one of the elites even among these chosen ones. Revered for having one of the most original styles of composing and guitar playing as well as distinct guitar tones, it is a herculean task to find modern guitarists who Rosenwinkel’s music has not swayed.
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From the African rhythmic rituals, Jazz originated in the African-American communities of Louisiana and underwent multiple astounding transformations over a century. Now, it is unequivocally accepted as an art form with the utmost artistic freedom. Among the torchbearers of our current era, Julian Lage is a musician who possesses a sui generis style as a jazz guitarist.
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Born from Brazil’s rich and diverse musical heritage, Fabiano Do Nascimento is one of the most prominent and celebrated contemporary Brazilian guitarists and composers. His intricate compositional approach and virtuosic playing style embody the delicate rhythms of bossa nova and the spirit of samba. And, with the improvisational chops of contemporary jazz, his artistry has won over the audiences and critics alike. Nascimento’s instrument mastery is palpable from his exquisite fingerpicking techniques and the enthralling symphony on strings. With each note, he crystalizes the core essence of Brazilian music. Rooted in authenticity and passion, his music has been deemed worthy of a fitting place in the jazz music scene.
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41 years after her death, Billie Holiday was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She “changed jazz forever,” claims their website. They’re right! Billie’s haunting voice has lingered in music collections for years. Audiences are still spellbound by a woman who came from such pain and poverty, yet created such beauty.
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To be a musician is to have authenticity. Amidst myriads of notable contemporary artists, pioneering jazz guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi has checked that box from the onset of his emergence in the jazz music scene. His sincere love for music led him to find his niche where he weaves the stories of ancient rhythms through the lens of modern sensibility. Music is more than sound in his world. It’s an intricate and entwined net of traditional and innovative ideas. Abbasi’s virtuosic improvisation on the guitar has made him one of the most distinctive and stylistic guitarists in the contemporary jazz scene.
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Is there another jazz legend with a discography as far-reaching and ambitious as Charles Mingus? His influence extended beyond traditional jazz, reaching into other genres like avant-garde, experimental, and contemporary classical music. Not to mention his powerful political songs, blues-tinted bops and gospel-tinged classics.
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Jazz is an American art form, and its roots are deeply embedded in the history and culture of the United States. However, across the pond, there has long been a thriving jazz scene, played out in smoky bars from The Shim Sham to The Flamingo Club and Ronnie Scott’s. From the swinging sounds of the 1960s to the jazz fusion revival of recent years, these 10 best British jazz albums reflect the depth and diversity of the British jazz scene, showcasing the immense talent and originality of some of its renowned musical stars.
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Thelonious Sphere Monk was a pioneer of modern jazz music. Known for his eccentricity and improvisational impishness, Monk’s performances said as much with their silences as the raw chords that dominated some of the more stripped-back ballads.
Monk was also one of the most prolific composers in the history of jazz. Throughout his career, he recorded albums for labels including Blue Note, Prestige Records, and Riverside Records. Somehow, we’ve managed to unpick all of those releases to find The Mad Monk’s 10 of the best.
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Bill Evans’ greatest talent was his unparalleled ability to convey emotion through his music. What stands out most about listening to his records today is the emotional breadth his piano reaches. Evans had depth in a way no other jazz musician did. His mature style, nuanced touch and widely imitated sound have left an indelible mark on the jazz landscape. Today, we revisit the 10 albums that put Bill Evans on the jazz map forever.
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Here we celebrate the virtuosity, innovation and (sometimes frustrating) brilliance of jazz pianists. Throughout over a century of the genre, the piano has been a canvas for former child prodigies, creative geniuses and unconventional boundary pushers.
There have been so many incredible jazz pianists who have left an enduring mark on the genre over the years. Therefore, it is very difficult to leave out masters of the craft such as Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, plus countless others.
One, then, must resort to personal preference. It is with this that we present 10 of the very best jazz pianists to have graced the ivories.
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