Top Jazz Songs of the 2010s

Top Jazz Songs of the 2010s

The 2010s were a big deal for jazz. This decade saw the arrival of new talents and sounds that really shook things up. Artists like Kamasi Washington with his album ‘The Epic’ and Esperanza Spalding with her song ‘Black Gold’ played a huge role in bringing jazz to the forefront again. They managed to attract both long-time jazz fans and those who were new to the genre.

But that’s not the whole story. There were other amazing tracks like ‘Lingus’ by Snarky Puppy, ‘Calls’ by Robert Glasper, and ‘Confessions’ by Ambrose Akinmusire that also made a big impact. Each of these songs added something special and fresh to jazz, showing just how much variety there is in the genre today.

Let’s dive into how these artists have reshaped jazz in the 21st century, making it more diverse and interesting.

Kamasi Washington: The Epic

In 2015, Kamasi Washington released ‘The Epic,’ a monumental album that reshaped contemporary jazz. This three-hour masterpiece brought together a vast array of musicians, including a 32-piece orchestra, a 20-person choir, and exceptionally skilled instrumentalists. Washington masterfully mixed soul, classical music, hip-hop, and gospel with jazz, demonstrating his exceptional talents as both a tenor saxophonist and a visionary composer. This blend of styles not only highlighted his musical abilities but also pushed jazz into exciting new directions.

‘The Epic’ stands out because it doesn’t just look back at jazz history – it moves the genre forward. By incorporating diverse musical elements, Washington invited a broader audience to discover jazz, making it accessible and relevant to a new generation. His approach underlined the genre’s capacity to evolve, proving that jazz can continuously reinvent itself.

Kamasi Washington’s work on ‘The Epic’ is a powerful example of how combining different musical traditions can create something entirely new and deeply impactful. This album serves as a bridge for listeners who might be new to jazz, offering them a rich, engaging experience. For those looking to explore contemporary jazz further, ‘The Epic’ is an essential starting point, showcasing the genre’s potential for innovation and its appeal to a wide range of musical tastes.

Esperanza Spalding: Black Gold

Esperanza Spalding’s song ‘Black Gold’ marks an important time in jazz music. In this song, she beautifully blends soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. This not only shows off her skills as a bassist, vocalist, and composer but also tells a deep story about identity and resilience. The way Spalding plays the bass and sings at the same time creates a unique sound that is both intricate and easy to enjoy. ‘Black Gold’ is more than just a display of Spalding’s technical skills; it’s also a way for her to share powerful ideas through her music.

The song is a perfect example of how jazz is changing. It shows that you can take traditional jazz and mix it with modern styles to make something that new audiences will love. For example, Spalding uses her voice not just to sing the lyrics but as an instrument that works together with the bass, creating a sound that you don’t often hear in today’s music scene. This approach not only makes ‘Black Gold’ stand out but also makes it a significant piece in the evolution of jazz music.

Listening to ‘Black Gold’ by Esperanza Spalding is like taking a master class in how to bring together different musical styles in a way that feels fresh and exciting. If you’re interested in jazz or just looking for something new to listen to, I highly recommend giving this song a try. It’s a great example of how music can evolve while still paying homage to its roots.

Snarky Puppy: Lingus

Snarky Puppy’s track ‘Lingus,’ from their 2014 album ‘We Like It Here,’ is a standout in the jazz genre. This song is a great example of how the band blends different styles of music – like funk, rock, and world music – with jazz. This mix creates a sound that’s both complex and appealing to a wide audience. One of the highlights of ‘Lingus’ is an unforgettable keyboard solo by Cory Henry. This solo, along with the song’s complex rhythms and intricate harmonies, has won over listeners all over the world.

What makes ‘Lingus’ and Snarky Puppy’s work in general so special is their approach to making music. They focus on recording live and ensuring that all band members interact with each other. This method brings a real energy and depth to their music. It’s this innovative approach that has helped ‘Lingus’ become a significant track in modern jazz.

Robert Glasper: Calls

Robert Glasper’s track ‘Calls’ stands out for its innovative blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, breaking traditional genre boundaries. His skillful approach to combining these styles marks a significant moment in music, where past influences and future directions meet. Through his piano playing, Glasper sets a solid base for the song, complementing the vocal parts perfectly and enhancing the overall listening experience. This track is not just about technical skill; it also deeply connects with listeners on an emotional level.

‘Calls’ is an excellent example of modern jazz’s vitality and its ability to adapt and incorporate elements from other genres. Glasper’s work on this song demonstrates how jazz remains relevant by evolving and embracing new sounds. His ability to create a unified and engaging sound from diverse musical elements is a lesson in how music can transcend traditional categories to create something truly unique.

In a way, ‘Calls’ serves as an educational piece on the possibilities within jazz music. For those looking to explore how jazz can merge with other genres without losing its essence, this track is a must-listen. It not only showcases Glasper’s mastery over his craft but also points to a future where music is increasingly defined by creativity and innovation rather than rigid genre lines.

Ambrose Akinmusire: Confessions

Ambrose Akinmusire’s album ‘Confessions’ is a prime example of how modern jazz is evolving. It combines various music styles like classical, hip-hop, and soul with traditional jazz, creating a unique and innovative sound. Akinmusire is renowned for his skillful trumpet playing, and in ‘Confessions,’ he uses it to tell powerful stories without needing words. This album is particularly notable for its bold harmonic choices and complex rhythms, which challenge traditional jazz norms.

Akinmusire’s ability to blend different genres into a cohesive whole demonstrates his deep understanding of jazz and its potential for expression. In ‘Confessions,’ his compositions are not just technically impressive; they also convey a wide range of emotions, making the album a significant contribution to jazz in the 2010s. For those interested in exploring contemporary jazz, ‘Confessions’ is an excellent starting point, offering a glimpse into the future of the genre while staying connected to its roots.

Conclusion

The 2010s were an exciting time for jazz music, thanks to artists like Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spalding, Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper, and Ambrose Akinmusire.

These musicians really mixed things up by bringing in sounds from different music styles. This blend showed how jazz can change and stay relevant today.

Their work was a big deal for jazz music, showing it can adapt and keep its place in the world of music.