The Future is Now: A Whirlwind Tour of Future Jazz
The Genre That’s Always Looking Ahead
Forget your dusty vinyl, forget your jazz standards. Future jazz isn’t about reminiscing; it’s about pushing boundaries, warping sounds, and creating sonic landscapes that sound like nothing you’ve ever heard before.
Born from the fertile ground of contemporary jazz, hip-hop, electronic music, and even experimental rock, future jazz emerged in the early 2000s, refusing to be confined by genre labels. It’s a vibrant, ever-evolving fusion, with artists constantly experimenting with new technologies and musical ideas.
A Few Funky Facts:
The Godfather: While no single artist can be crowned the sole creator, UK producer Flying Lotus is often cited as a major pioneer, blending jazzy textures with electronica in his groundbreaking 2006 album “Los Angeles.”
The Avant-Garde:Kamasi Washington, a saxophone virtuoso, brought a fresh energy to the scene with his epic 2015 album “The Epic.” His three-hour-long masterpiece, incorporating jazz, funk, and even elements of gospel, is a testament to the genre’s limitless possibilities.
Beyond the Beat:Thundercat, known for his funky basslines and soulful vocals, is another key figure, often blurring the lines between jazz, funk, and hip-hop. He’s known for his quirky sense of humor, once claiming his favorite instrument was “a bowl of chili” and later, “a tuba, played by a cat.”
The Global Influence: Future jazz is a truly global phenomenon, with artists from Japan (Nujabes), France (St Germain), and beyond adding their unique voices to the mix.
Where Will It Go Next?
Future jazz is constantly in flux. From the mind-bending sonic experiments of Sun Ra Arkestra to the politically charged sounds of Nubya Garcia, the genre continues to surprise and push the boundaries of what music can be.
This is not a genre for the faint of heart. It’s a journey through the unknown, a sonic adventure that will challenge your expectations and leave you wanting more. So buckle up, grab your headphones, and prepare to be blown away.