by Daniel Harris
"5.2 million? What's the problem" some of you are probably saying. Well, consider this: The Jazz Line reports that in the last two months of 2014, Taylor Swift sold nearly 4 million copies of her album 1989. 4 MILLION! Therein lies the problem. One popular artist has sold almost the equivalent of an entire genre.
Jazz is, without a doubt, America's genre. So the news of its decline in popularity should be troubling. Music discovery is at the core of what we do here at TheSoulcialista. Often times, it takes finding one great artist to spawn finding other artists. Here are five Jazz artists who we feel are great starting points to discovering Jazz and helping to save it from obscurity.
Best known for his work with Common and Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge is a widely respected bassist, producer and composer. While the elements of Jazz are ever present in his own work, Derrick Hodge brings a refreshing and innovative approach to the genre. His album, Live Today, brings together all of his experience in multiple genres and fuses them together, turning them into a masterful offering that both embodies the spirit of Jazz artists who have come before him and embraces a new wave of sound without boarders.
Individually, the members of Vertical Current have performed with artists ranging from Tye Tribbett to Earth, Wind and Fire. Collectively, they bring together the appeal of Pop, the soul and movement of Gospel and the charm of Jazz to create a truly unique experience. Their most recent album, Bright Side of Midnight, is a perfect example of their distinctive blend. Much more than a collection of Jazz songs, Bright Side of Midnight seeks to inspire listeners to "outlast the darkness" and "race toward the light."
With is unmistakable baritone voice, Gregory Porter represents an element of Jazz not traditionally recognized, the vocal element. As a singer, songwriter and actor, Porter brings to the genre an overwhelming sense of vitality, life and honesty. His latest album, Liquid Spirit, showcases his mastery of the Jazz genre while adding elements of Gospel, Blues and R&B into the mix.
Scott is a gifted and talented young musician who fuses the traditional elements of Jazz with some very impeccable new school flavor. A product of New Orleans, Christian is described as being very driven and "Jazz's young style god." His passion for his culture, his heritage and his craft are very evident on each of his 8 studio albums.
One of his most recent albums, Christian aTunde Adjuah is an album with deep meaning for Christian. This album represents the artist in his most complete state. Christian went on a journey that would see him add "aTunde Adjuah," connecting him to his African heritage and beginning a legacy of his own. The 2 disc album captures the emotion, trials and joys of Christian's journey.
Baltimore may not be the first city you think of when it comes to Jazz. However, legends like Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday have called The Charm City home at one point.
Joel Holmes is an accomplished pianist, composer and product of both the Baltimore School for The Performing Arts and the Peabody Conservatory, two of Baltimore's most prestigious performing arts schools. As a result of his education and his raw talent, Holmes has literally traveled the world becoming an ambassador for Jazz. His traditional approach demonstrates his classical training. However, there is an undeniable since of soul and passion that comes from a deep love and appreciation for the genre when listening to his music.
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