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Seven can’t-miss newcomers keeping the spirit of jazz going

BBG News

At 85 years old, Herbie Hancock, a respected figure in the world of jazz, views jazz as embodying a spirit rather than just a musical genre. While its traditional elements have endured over the decades, jazz has also been historically characterized by pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities within its framework.

2025 continues to reflect that same essence. Today’s rising stars in jazz carry forward the traditional traits of improvisation, emotion, richness, and depth. However, they do so with a vibrant energy, novelty, and creativity. Here are seven exceptional newcomers who are preserving the soul of jazz at its peak level.

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Annahstasia

Annahstasia’s first album, “Tether” (releasing June 13), may appear delicate and serene at first glance, but it’s a potent piece of work that resonates powerfully amidst today’s turbulent times. Reminiscent of a softer, more poetic Nick Drake, the album is in fact a daring call for listeners to delve deeply into their thoughts and emotions. The L.A.-based artist describes her record as a means to emphasize empathy, rest, kindness, slowness, and intention – qualities she believes we all need to cultivate in our current world. With tracks like the heartwarming opener “Be Kind” and the inspiring closer “Believer”, this 11-song collection is a testament to Annahstasia’s burgeoning talent, making it one of the most beautiful albums you will hear this year.

Jazz influences: Billie Holiday, Alice Coltrane, John Coltrane, Carlos Nino, Laraaji

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Maya Delilah

24-year-old British artist Delilah impressively showcases her talent in her first album, “The Long Way Round,” by skillfully recreating a sense of nostalgia from an era she wasn’t born into. As a guitar virtuoso who played in a jazz band during her upbringing, she draws inspiration from classic albums like ‘Tapestry,’ Carole King; ‘Blue,’ Joni Mitchell; and ‘Bryter Layter,’ Nick Drake. In her own words, “While creating this record, I drew on many records I grew up with, so for me it feels very nostalgic. I hope it transports that feeling of nostalgia to others as well.” The album exudes a relaxed 1970s ambiance, accentuated by Delilah’s mesmerizing guitar playing. Despite her youthful age, the contemporary touch she adds results in an introduction that feels both timeless and breathtakingly beautiful.

Jazz influences: Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Norah Jones, Keith Jarrett

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Ashley Henry

On this exceptional album, Henry, who is both the vocalist, pianist, and band leader, predominantly plays the piano with great intensity. The overall atmosphere of the album leans toward a conventional jazz ensemble. However, the versatile British artist often ventures beyond one genre, as evident in the track “Take Me Higher,” which exudes a distinct ’70s disco/funk ambiance. Henry describes the 14 songs on his 2024 album “Who We Are” as an endeavor to explore and seek freedom or collective potential. He aims to offer a refuge from “the era we’re living in.” The album has a sense of elevation, particularly in the song “Fly Away,” which features Aja Monet.

Jazz influences: Patrice Rushen, George Benson, Geri Allen, Jackie Mittoo

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Sage Bava

Bava’s highly anticipated debut album, “In Whose Eyes,” produced by four-time Grammy winner Larry Klein and featuring contributions from Christian McBride and L.A.’s Braxton Cook, draws heavily on her jazz background. As she explains, she spent her childhood on a farm, immersed in the music of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, and Duke Ellington. However, her musically daring and inquisitive spirit blends these timeless influences with a distinctly modern twist, earning comparisons from the industry to Fiona Apple. At her finest moments, Bava showcases her stunning vocals on tracks like “Slow” and “Love and Control.” Additionally, she draws inspiration from her deep bond with nature, resulting in an intimate and reflective body of work.

Jazz influences: Esperanza Spalding, Melody Gardot, Antônio Carlos Jobim and Thelonious Monk

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Brandon Woody

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: “In his captivating debut ‘For the Love of It All,’ due out on May 9, Baltimore trumpeter Woody exudes a tranquil determination and grace. On tracks such as ‘Wisdom: Terrace on St. Paul St.,’ that quiet strength is accentuated by an unyielding grit. ‘I want listeners to feel the journey my band and I have been on,’ Woody explains. ‘The struggle, the perseverance it took to reach where we are now, and the spirit of Baltimore.’ This album is a raw, honest reflection of who we are as a collective.” That authenticity resonates through every note of these six songs.

Jazz Inspirations: Theljon Allen, Craig Alston, Tim Green, Marc Cary, Quincy Phillips, Gary Thomas, Rodney James, Troy Long, Michael Saunders. “My close friends have the most significant impact on me. I find my musical idols are all from Baltimore,” he shares.

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Milena Casado

Similar to Annahstasia and Bava’s initial masterpieces, Casado’s captivating “Reflections of Another Self” (releasing May 16) is a mesmerizing compilation that springs from the depths. By primarily blending lush, otherworldly instrumentals with the tunes of her Spanish heritage and Brazilian influences, Casado, a native of Spain, constructs an enticing haven for contemplation. She expresses that this album is a highly personal account, taking listeners through a process of introspection, acceptance, and ultimately self-love. “My aim is to motivate others to embark on this journey with me,” she explains.

Influential Jazz Artists: Wayne Shorter, whose vocal snippets are incorporated within the piece; Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman

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Jazz notables featuring in this work: Wayne Shorter (with his sampled vocals), Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman.

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Aron!

In a different era, perhaps around the 1940s, Aron Stornaiuolo (now known as Aron) might have been providing the melodious backdrop in a Woody Allen film or a jazz cafe. His delightful EP titled “Cozy You (and Other Nice Songs)”, scheduled for release on June 6, whisks us away to an era where love is ubiquitous. As he puts it, “I hope this EP becomes the soundtrack to everyday moments in people’s lives. Whether you’re driving, cooking, cleaning, reading, or studying – any kind of activity really – there’s a certain charm in these ordinary moments as they open doors to mindfulness.” By revisiting the classic elegance of Laufey, Aron is poised to gain popularity among Generation Z, just as she did before him.

Jazz: Inspirations: “He credits the songwriters from the Great American Songbook era as his inspirations. Figures such as Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Billy Strayhorn, and Matt Dennis captivated him with their unique ability to convey eternal emotions through melody and lyrics. Since he was just ten years old, he has been captivated by arrangers like Axel Stordahl and Nelson Riddle. He recalls lying in bed at night as a child, feeling their intentions deeply and yearning to emulate them. In terms of straight-ahead jazz (he considers much of Sinatra’s work more pop than jazz), he has recently been delving into Bud Powell, Duke Ellington’s suites, and the “Birth of the Cool” – a piece that continues to astound him.

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2025-04-30 21:02

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