Jazz music is one of the great Black musical traditions. Celebrate Black History Month 20216 with the sound of this evolving artform, with tracks by contemporary Black jazz artists.
Jazz’s impact on modern culture and music is all around us. The African-American art form originally blended blues, ragtime and brass band sounds with African rhythms and traditional European composition. New Orleans is often referenced as the home of jazz, with larger-than-life legends including Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton putting it on the map, but the genre spread quickly; first to Northern cities, and then across the globe.
After swing music ran its course as the popular music of the 1920s and ‘30s, giants such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonius Monk pushed the boundaries of what was previously considered jazz, bringing intricate harmonies and rhythms to create bebop of the ‘40s. In the ‘50s, Miles Davis led another revolution in music when he made a dramatic turn from the hard bop that nurtured him to pioneering the modal jazz style, as exemplified on his seminal 1959 album, ‘Kind of Blue.’ The following decade saw the arrival of the free jazz movement, with John Coltrane breathing new life into the genre and inspiring the invention of psychedelic rock.
Throughout the genre’s many different eras and generations of fans, jazz’s influence has continued to echo throughout pop culture. In 1983, Herbie Hancock dropped “Rockit,” a landmark track that brought the record-scratching sound of hip-hop to MTV. More recently, Robert Glasper has pushed the boundaries of the art form while maintaining its tradition, collaborating with rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak. The British jazz scene in particular has experienced remarkable growth and experimentation, with performers like Nubya Garcia, Theon Cross and Ezra Collective leading the charge.
To celebrate the great Black art form that is jazz, we’ve put together a wide-ranging collection of tracks from modern artists — including Brandee Younger, Samara Joy, Robert Glasper, Nubya Garcia, Ego Ella May and more — who are building upon the great legacy of “A Jazz Thing.”
LISTEN TO THE A JAZZ THING PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD
Ezra Collective, Sasha Keable, “Body Language”
The Mercury Prize-winning jazz quintet brings a Latin flavor, in this collaboration with British-Colombian vocalist Sasha Keable.
Nubya Garcia, Esperanza Spalding, “Dawn”
British saxophonist and vocalist Nubya Garcia collaborates with American bassist Esperanza Spalding on this track from the former’s album, ‘Odyssey.’ Hear Nubya Garia break down the making of tracks from ‘Odyssey’ in this exclusive Voice Notes commentary.
Ego Ella May, “The Morning Side of Love”
On this subtle, pretty track, British vocalist Ego Ella May dips into the jazzier side of her R&B sound.
Terrace Martin, Kenyan Dixon, Robert Glasper, “Circle of Love”
Taken from the 2025 deluxe version of his album, ‘Come As You Are,’ LA-based Terrace Martin links with Kenyon Dixon and Robert Glasper for this jazzy R&B track.
aja monet, “for the kids…”
In this stirring, poetic track, aja monet showcases why she’s a name to watch in the contemporary jazz scene.
Trio of Bloom, “Queen King”
The newly-arranged trio of Nels Cline, Craig Taborn and Marcus Gilmore dropped their self-titled debut album in 2025 to critical acclaim.
Kassa Overall, “2 Sentimental”
Blending jazz, rap, spoken word and R&B, Kassa Overall presents a playful sound. His latest release, ‘CREAM,’ is a reimagining of classic hip-hop tracks.
Oreglo, Bel Cobain, “comet”
This trio came up through London’s Tomorrow’s Warriors collective, playing tuba, drums and bass guitar. Their latest release is their 2025 EP, titled ‘THE WHIRR.’
Speakers Corner Quartet, “Proceed”
The house band for the London spoken-word night of the same name, Speakers Corner Quartet recently composed the score for Black British TV show “Mr. Loverman.”
Brandee Younger, “Gadabout Season”
American harpist and vocalist Brandee Younger dropped her latest album, ‘Gadabout Season,’ in 2025.
Braxton Cook, “Not Everyone Can Go”
Having performed with the likes of Rihanna and Jon Batiste, Boston’s Braxton Cook has crossed over with his skills: singing, writing and playing alto saxophone.
Alfa Mist, “In My Defence”
UK vocalist and musician Alfa Mist blends hip-hop and jazz with piano. His latest album is 2025’s ‘Roulette.’
Robert Glasper, Yebba, “Over”
Jazz musician and songwriter Robert Glasper is a seasoned collaborator. This track with vocalist Yebba features on his 2025 album, ‘Keys To The City Volume One.’
Theon Cross, “We Go Again (Live at Blue Note New York)”
After coming up through Sons of Kemet, British tuba player and composer Theon Cross has gone solo. His 2025 solo album was recorded at the legendary NYC jazz venue, Blue Note.
Venna, Yussef Dayes, “Eternal Reflections”
On the closing track of saxophonist VENNA’s 2025 album ‘MALIK,’ he collaborates with drummer Yussef Dayes. VENNA’s latest solo studio album is 2023’s ‘Black Classical Music.’
Joshua Redman, “Borrowed Eyes”
Recorded with pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris and drummer Nazir Ebo, saxophonist Joshua Redman released this track on his 2025 album, ‘Words Fall Short,’ on Blue Note.
Makaya McCraven, “Lake Shore Drive Five”
This track features on beatmaker, drummer and bandleader Makaya McCraven’s 2025 EP, ‘The People’s Mixtape.’
Amina Claudine Myers, “Song for Mother E”
Leaning into cosmic ambience, Amina Claudine Myers weaves jazz through her 2025 album, ‘Solace Of The Mind.’
Samara Joy, “Three Little Words”
A Grammy-winning jazz artist from the Bronx, New York, Samara Joy brings her ethereal tones to this 2025 track. At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Samara took home her sixth Grammy Award, winning Best Jazz Vocal album for her latest album, 2024’s ‘Portrait.’
Nala Sinephro, “Dawn”
Belgian harpist and electronic producer Nala Sinephro releases solo work on Warp Records. This track is from the soundtrack for the 2025 film, ‘The Smashing Machine.’
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