Results for "modern jazz"

Pavle Zvekic

No Trio for Cats

Active since: 2012

No Trio for Cats organically reinvents the language of the jazz piano trio, transforming mainstream sonorities through a compositional approach that reimagines the swing pulse to explore new sonic horizons. Active since 2012, the Roman trio—Andrea Saffirio (piano and composition), Andrea Colella (double bass) and Matteo Bultrini (drums)—is one of the most distinctive presences on the contemporary Italian jazz scene.

The group was born from the artistic meeting of three musicians united by a desire not to renounce jazz tradition, but to use it as a starting point for innovative sonic explorations. The close rapport developed over the years has allowed the trio to create a personal language that defies mainstream categories, organically integrating influences ranging from late-nineteenth-century symphonic music to elements of Black music—from Motown culture to hip-hop sonorities—without ever allowing these crossovers to become clichés or to overwhelm the project's jazz essence.

Anna Einarsson

Anton Mikhailov

Born: November 7, 1999

Anton Mikhailov is a composer, pianist, and arranger based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Born in Horlivka, Ukraine, he studied classical and jazz piano at the Murmansk College of Arts and went on to develop a versatile voice in contemporary instrumental music—ranging from modern jazz and improvisation to scoring for film and games.

Rooted in classical tradition and driven by a strong improvisational instinct, his music blends rhythmic energy, cinematic harmony, and experimental textures. His influences span hip-hop, indie rock, and electronic music as well as twentieth-century orchestral writing and avant-garde improvisation.

The Uncalled Capital

Active since: 2024

Staying true to the idioms of jazz while expanding its sound into the contemporary realm, The Uncalled Capital is a critically acclaimed sextet based in Tokyo featuring Shunya Aramaki on trumpet, Yu Yoshimori on alto saxophone, Jun Umegaki on tenor saxophone, Minami Yazaki on piano, Wataru Tamura on bass, and Jun Sato on drums. The ensemble draws inspiration from the likes of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and the SFJAZZ Collective and showcases a dynamic repertoire that includes both original compositions and arrangements of jazz standard tunes by its members. Having performed at various venues in Tokyo, The Uncalled Capital is set to release its much-anticipated debut EP in the spring of 2025.

Harben Kay

Award-winning tenor saxophonist Harben Kay is quickly becoming renowned as one of the UK’s most creative and virtuosic jazz artists, with two critically acclaimed albums, four UK tours and performances at the UK’s most esteemed jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall and The Vortex.

Their latest album, Golden Sands (2022), was released on Kay’s own label, Sulis Records, in October 2022. The album received high praise from the jazz media, showcasing original compositions that are reflective of Kay’s experiences in their homeland of Scotland, and their time spent living in London and New York City.

Juanjo López

Born: August 30, 1975

Juanjo López is a Mexican guitarist, composer, and educator whose work blends spiritual depth with musical exploration. With over two decades of experience in performance and recording, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Iraida Noriega, Armando Manzanero, Eddie Gómez, and Kenny Werner. His music draws from a rich tapestry of influences—Jazz, Rock, and Latin American folk traditions—resulting in a sound that is both intimate and expansive.

He holds a Master's degree in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University, where he studied under acclaimed guitarist Bobby Broom

Nancy Walker

Nancy Walker Biography

Pianist and composer Nancy Walker has been recognized with honours Canada-wide, including the Montréal Jazz Festival’s Grand Prix de Jazz, the National Jazz Awards Keyboardist Of The Year Award, a JUNO nomination for Instrumental Album Of The Year, and an induction into the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame. A dynamic improviser, an artful composer and a responsive accompanist, Nancy has been praised both for her work as a solo artist and as a musical collaborator. As a side player she can be heard on a wide range of recordings, by artists from saxophonist Kirk MacDonald to vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow to children’s entertainer Raffi. More recently she can be heard on the 2024 recording Here’s To Life by John Neudorf (on which she was both pianist and co-producer), and Sarah Jerrom’s 2025 JUNO-nominated Magpie.

Siwon Lee

Born: January 21, 1995

Siwon Lee is a distinguished jazz pianist, arranger and composer based in New York and South Korea. Having established a strong foundation, playing classical piano since the age of four, her work spans genres. Her artistic influence includes classical, jazz, funk, pop and latin music.

Her jazz journey began in South Korea, where she won first prize at the 2014 Kyung-Hee University Jazz Competition, a significant milestone that set the stage for her pursuit of jazz at an international level. Moving to New York, she immersed herself in rigorous study and performance at SUNY Purchase, earning both acclaim and accolades, including the 2024 SUNY Purchase Outstanding Graduate Award, which recognized her exceptional leadership and musicianship.

Nitzan Gavrieli

Nitzan Gavrieli is a New York-based jazz pianist and composer who is a vital force on the city’s jazz scene. His music expands on the traditional jazz piano trio format, blending elements of classical music and Middle Eastern influences into a sound that is both distinctive and emotionally rich.

​In addition to leading his own trio, Nitzan is an in-demand sideman, arranger, and collaborator. He has recorded and performed with world-renowned artists such as Dennis Chambers, Mike Stern, Melissa Aldana, Francisco Mela, Mark Murphy, Chris Cheek, Steve Cardenas, Jamie Baum, and many others. His versatility and sensitivity at the piano have made him a valued contributor to dozens of albums and projects across genres.