Results for "modern jazz"

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.

Ashia Ackov

Born: August 10

Singer/Songwriter Ashia Ackov is a rising star of the Jazz Genre with her hit "Blame it on Me". She has a unique style that blends traditional jazz elements with modern influences, creating a fresh and original sound. She sings Lounge, Smooth Jazz, Noire-Era, and Bossa Nova. Ashia is a self-proclaimed SoCal girl who enjoys writing poetry comparing love and nature. She credits that as an inspiration when it comes to writing her music. Because she suffers from Vocal Dysphonia, she has a unique, quiet, lush, vocal tone that is very intimate. 

Dré Matsumoto

Born: June 21, 1972

Dré Matsumoto (aka André Marcel Ajamu Akinyele) is an American-Canadian residing in Yokohama. The bassist and multi-instrumentalist is known for his jazz-fusion-funk. His inspirations include Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, and Ron Carter, to name a few. He was born in San Pablo, California as André Marcel Wilson, and changed his name to André Marcel Ajamu Akinyele in 2004. Why the name Dré Matsumoto? He stated that “Dré is half my name André, and Matsumoto is a Japanese name that I love the sound of.” A native of the San Francisco bay area, he currently resides in Toronto, Ontario Canada and Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan

Nikola Spasojevic

Born: May 17, 1999

Nikola Spasojevic (US, RS) is a saxophonist and composer based in New York. Spasojevic brings an eclectic combination of influences to his improvisations and compositions expressed through the language of contemporary jazz. Nikola began playing classical saxophone when he was just 9 years old in Subotica (RS). Later, he moved to Rotterdam (NL) to pursue his undergraduate degree at Codarts University of the Arts. In 2022 he came to New York City to continue his studies with a master’s at New York University. While at NYU, he has had the opportunity to perform at well-known venues like the Blue Note with the Dezron Douglas ensemble, the Frederick Loewe Theater with the NYU Jazz Orchestra and the Provincetown Playhouse with the David Liebman ensemble

Albano the Madman

Born: July 5, 1982

We're really doing this, huh?

So this is the part where ::insert famous instrument company or famous musician:: is gonna slog through some paint by numbers B.S. about where I went to school and who I studied with...and we all have to pretend like it still matters in 2025 (or really, ever?)

Nah. Just listen to the music!

Stay weird, everybody!

Sugar Bomb

Active since: 2023

Sugar Bomb is an instrumental groove jazz trio formed in 2023 in Asheville, NC. 
Known for their dynamic range in taste and performance, they are often described as modern, playful, and refreshing. The trio consisting of Jacob Bruner (keyboards), Eli Kahn (bass/guitar), and Joe Enright (drums) draw from a wide range of influences spanning classical and jazz to fusion, hip hop, and electronic music. Often categorized as jazz for simplicity’s sake and perhaps highlighting their love for improvisation, Sugar Bomb creates a genre-defying kaleidoscope of musical expression through sensitive, yet high-energy performance and composition.