New jazz music for 2022
Who do you think is the best jazz artist making music today? Check out our list of top jazz artists, filled with musicians on the rise in 2022.
In many parts of the world, jazz scenes are still in disarray due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions. Even today’s famous jazz musicians have been forced to pivot and find new ways to maintain their craft.
But, just as the pockets of 2021 brought the return of live music, 2022 is shaping up to be brighter. Jazz artists haven’t let the upset world stop them from collaborating in joyful and unexpected ways.
A highlight of 2021 was the release of Pharoah Sanders’ incredible film promises album with electronic artist Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra. Waiting for projects like Emma-Jean Thackray’s album Yellow celebrated the community and togetherness that often emanates from creating or listening to jazz.
Here are seven new jazz artists pushing the boundaries in 2022.
Jas Kayser
Drummer and composer Jas Kayser, who explores Afrobeat and jazz, has received Jazz FM’s 2021 Act of the Year award. As you might expect, his use of rhythm is extraordinary.
This year, watch how she builds on the success of 2020’s debut EP Unforced rhythm of grace.
Siomha
Irish artist Síomha’s music ranges from jazz to neo-soul to the folk rhythms heard in the single “Spéir Rua”. The singer and guitarist performs her lyrics in English and Irish.
You will want to discover his first album infinite space when it drops in 2022.
lady blackbird
Just press play and let that voice melt over you. Known for its RnB-adjacent releases, the 2021 album Black Acid Soul saw Marley Munroe refocus as Lady Blackbird and fully embrace jazz. In the process, the singer has found a natural groove to fit into, which 2022 should see her continue to explore in a big way.
Waldo’s Gift
Bristol-based trio Waldo’s Gift are explosive live, bringing crowds to life with frenetic yet controlled jazz funk with math rock leanings. The band kicked off 2022 with new release “Flowerbed,” which strays into electronic music territory to haunting effect.
Arooj Aftab
The brutally emotional voice of Brooklyn-based Pakistani musician Arooj Aftab comes from a hallowed place as the accompaniment swings between jazz and traditional South Asian classical music influences.
Aftab from last year Prince Vulture The album was critically acclaimed and she was nominated for the 2022 GRAMMY’s Best Worldwide Musical Performance award.
Unknown questions
Matters Unknown is the exciting project of composer and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Enser which brings together the best talent from the London jazz scene. The result is a collective that takes musical influences from around the world and creates cosmic free-falling melodies.
Look for new moves in 2022, curated by Jonny between tours as a horn contributor for Nubiyan Twist.
Nala Sinephro
Caribbean-Belgian pedal harpist and composer Nala Sinefro writes and performs captivating experimental ambient jazz.
For the first album Space 1.8 Sinephro has assembled a collection of British musicians, including saxophonist Nubya Garcia, and weaved instruments like a modular synthesizer into the tracks to create something that sparkles with energy. Who will she work with next in 2022 – and where will her designs take her?
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