Modern jazz artists are reshaping the genre, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences like hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. These musicians are pushing the boundaries of jazz, creating attractive sounds that allure diverse audiences.

From virtuosic pianists and soulful saxophonists to genre-blending multi-instrumentalists, today’s jazz scene is a fusion of creative freedom. Whether through experimental rhythms, soulful melodies, or bold improvisations, modern jazz artists continue to evolve the genre and take hold of listeners worldwide.

This article will highlight the top 31 exciting and influential modern jazz artists who are redefining the future of jazz music.

Top 31 Modern Jazz Artists

1. Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock is a legendary pianist and composer, known for blending jazz with funk, electronic, and pop elements. His album Head Hunters (1973) showcases his creative mix style, bridging traditional jazz with contemporary sounds, and making generations of musicians across genres his fans.

2. Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier is a multi-instrumentalist and prodigy known for his complex harmonic arrangements and creative music. His unique approach blends jazz with classical, pop, and electronic elements, creating groundbreaking music that challenges conventional genres. Jacob’s intricate use of harmony and rhythm has made him a global musical phenomenon.

3. Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is a virtuoso bassist and vocalist, recognized for merging jazz with elements of rock, classical, and theater. Her work reflects her musical versatility, with detailed compositions that challenge traditional jazz conventions, offering a refreshing and new horizon in modern music across genres.

4. Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper is a Grammy-winning pianist known for blending jazz, R&B, and hip-hop in his compositions. His music transcends traditional jazz, using soulful melodies and smooth rhythms, creating genre-defying pieces that bridge multiple musical worlds, making him a groundbreaking force in contemporary music.

5. Samara Joy

Samara Joy is a Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated for her stunning vocal range and mastery of jazz standards. Her self-titled debut album showcases her ability to capture the essence of classic vocal jazz while bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the genre, solidifying her as a rising star in jazz.

6. Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy is a jazz fusion band known for their energetic performances and genre-blending compositions. Combining jazz, funk, world music, and rock, they create improvisational music that captures audiences worldwide. Their work challenges traditional boundaries, making them one of the most important parts of fusion jazz.

7. Tigran Hamasyan

Tigran Hamasyan is an Armenian pianist known for his combination of traditional Armenian music with modern jazz. His compositions include complex rhythms and melodic structures, uniquely blending folk and jazz. Tigran’s creative sound has made him a prominent figure in contemporary jazz and world music.

8. Vijay Iyer

Vijay Iyer is a pianist renowned for his cerebral compositions and unique approach to jazz. His music combines smooth rhythms with complex harmonies, focusing on themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. His creative style has reshaped contemporary jazz, establishing him as a prominent figure in the genre.

9. Shabaka Hutchings

Shabaka Hutchings is a London-based saxophonist and composer known for merging Caribbean rhythms with avant-garde jazz. As the leader of Sons of Kemet, Shabaka focuses on complex cultural narratives, mixing his compositions with high energy and political statements, making his music both creative and socially relevant.

10. Kamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington is a saxophonist known for his creative approach to spiritual jazz. With a blend of funk, orchestral arrangements, and traditional jazz, his music breaks boundaries, giving a cinematic thrill that appeals to both jazz purists and modern listeners, pushing the genre’s limits.

11. Terrace Martin

Terrace Martin is a multi-instrumentalist and producer known for blending jazz with hip-hop, R&B, and funk. His work is characterized by creative instrumentation, smooth rhythms, and genre-defying compositions. Terrace’s varied musical talents have established him as a key figure in modern music, blending sounds across genres effortlessly.

12. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a trumpeter who has created the concept of stretch music, blending jazz with global rhythms, including elements of African, Caribbean, and Western styles. His approach pushes boundaries, combining rich brass sounds with intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity, offering a fresh perspective on jazz.

13. Makaya McCraven

Makaya McCraven is a drummer and producer known for his live-looping jazz style. Drawing from various elements, including electronic and soul, his compositions capture spontaneous improvisation, blending organic rhythms with modern production techniques. His work redefines jazz by combining live performance with experimental studio techniques.

14. Nubya Garcia

Nubya Garcia is a British saxophonist known for blending Afrobeat, jazz, and contemporary music. Her sound merges rhythmic complexity with emotional expression, drawing from her Caribbean heritage to craft unique compositions. Nubya’s performances and creative approach to jazz have made her a standout artist.

15. Alfa Mist

Alfa Mist is a London-based pianist and producer who fuses jazz with hip-hop, soul, and electronic elements. His music is characterized by thoughtful melodies, self-reflecting lyrics, and atmospheric beats, creating a sound that is both emotional and intellectually moving, making him a top figure in modern jazz.

16. Yussef Dayes

Yussef Dayes is a British drummer known for his rhythms and collaborations with top musicians. His creative approach blends jazz with electronic music, creating an attractive fusion that bridges genres. Yussef’s groove and sound have made him one of the most exciting artists in contemporary jazz.

17. Joel Ross

Joel Ross is a vibraphonist known for his lyrical approach to modern jazz. His music blends smooth melodies with fiery solos, creating a balance of calm and intensity. Joel’s performances are filled with collective energy, bringing a fresh look to contemporary jazz through his unique instrumental voice.

18. Masego

Masego is an artist known for creating TrapHouseJazz, a genre fusion of jazz, R&B, and trap. With smooth vocals, intricate saxophone melodies, and laid-back beats, Masego’s music showcases his ability to blend multiple styles while maintaining a unique sound that has fans across different musical genres.

19. Ashley Henry

Ashley Henry is a British pianist known for blending soulful melodies with contemporary jazz. His music fuses intricate rhythms and smooth harmonies, creating a unique sound that spans multiple genres. His performances showcase both technical skill and emotional depth, offering a modern take on traditional jazz styles.

20. Vanisha Gould & Chris McCarthy

Vanisha Gould and Chris McCarthy form a vocal-piano duo, blending melancholic yet optimistic tones in their work. Their music has reflecting melodies combined with jazz and soul elements, reflecting emotional expression. Their collaborative sound offers a fresh perspective on modern jazz, connecting with listeners worldwide.

21. GoGo Penguin

GoGo Penguin is a UK-based trio known for blending acoustic jazz with electronic rhythms. Their sound combines minimalist piano, upright bass, and dynamic drums, creating music that is both complex and accessible. GoGo Penguin’s creative mix of genres has earned them critical acclaim in contemporary jazz circles.

22. Hiromi Uehara

Hiromi Uehara is a Japanese pianist known for her energy and virtuosic skills in jazz fusion. Known for her performances and detailed compositions, Hiromi blends elements of classical, jazz, and rock, creating an electrifying musical that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz.

23. Kurt Rosenwinkel

Kurt Rosenwinkel is a guitarist known for blending modern jazz with traditional influences. His music is characterized by complex improvisations, harmonically rich compositions, and intricate phrasing. Kurt’s distinctive sound has earned him recognition as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz guitar.

24. Julian Lage

Julian Lage is a jazz guitarist renowned for his ability to merge folk, rock, and jazz into cohesive compositions. His technical skill and expressive playing style have made him one of the most respected figures in modern jazz guitar, pushing boundaries while staying true to his musical roots.

25. Fred Hersch

Fred Hersch is a pianist known for his lyrical, personal compositions in modern jazz. Known for his reflective approach to music, his work has a range of emotional depths through detailed piano solos and intimate performances, earning him a reputation as one of jazz’s most thoughtful artists.

26. Aaron Parks

Aaron Parks is a pianist whose music blends electronic textures with modern jazz. Known for his creative approach to improvisation, his album Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man (2020) showcases his ability to fuse complex rhythms with atmospheric soundscapes, offering a new direction for contemporary jazz.

27. Brad Mehldau

Brad Mehldau is a renowned pianist known for his soul-searching, emotionally rich compositions. With a unique blend of classical and jazz influences, his work often uses themes of time and improvisation, making him a prominent figure in modern jazz, particularly through his piano performances.

28. Avishai Cohen

Avishai Cohen is a bassist known for blending Middle Eastern elements with contemporary jazz. His album Arvoles (2019) includes rich, emotive compositions that showcase his virtuosic bass playing. His music blends flowy rhythms with cultural parts, creating a unique sound that connects with jazz lovers.

29. Morgan Guerin

Morgan Guerin is a multi-instrumentalist whose music has layered sounds across jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. His album Tales of the Facade (2024) showcases his ability to blend genres while pushing the boundaries of jazz with a modern, experimental approach to composition.

30. Fatima

Fatima is a vocalist known for blending R&B and jazz with smooth, soulful melodies. Her album And Yet It’s All Love (2018) demonstrates her ability to combine classic jazz elements with contemporary R&B, creating a unique sound that connects with fans of both genres.

31. Ezra Collective

Ezra Collective is a British jazz band known for blending Afrobeat, reggae, and jazz into energetic sounds. Their album You Can’t Steal My Joy (2019) showcases their fusion of genres, creating a unique and new style that appeals to both jazz purists and contemporary music fans.

The world of modern jazz is rich with creativity, and boundary-pushing sounds. These 31 artists are redefining the genre, blending traditional jazz elements with elements from hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, and beyond.

Their unique styles and fearless experimentation are shaping the future of jazz and ensuring its continued relevance in the global music scene. Whether through detailed improvisations, genre fusion, or emotional depth, these artists continue to attract audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.

As jazz evolves, these talents are leading the way, pushing the limits of what jazz can be and how it connects with listeners worldwide.