Nu Jazz

Nu Jazz, or New Jazz, is a musical genre that originated in the late 1990s and gained popularity in the early 2000s. This genre merged traditional jazz with other musical styles like hip-hop, electronic, and funk, creating a sound that is both modern and innovative. Nu Jazz was influenced by the acid jazz movement that emerged in the UK in the 1980s and 1990s. Acid jazz was a genre that combined jazz, funk, and soul with elements of electronic music, creating a fusion of styles that was highly energetic and danceable. The use of electronic instruments and samples, in particular, was a defining characteristic of acid jazz. Nu Jazz took this fusion concept a step further by incorporating more styles and elements. It embraced electronic music in a more significant way and drew on other genres like trip-hop, house, and drum and bass. Musicians started experimenting with more complex and varied rhythms, using digital editing tools to create intricate patterns and build soundscapes. Artists like St. Germain, Jazzanova, and The Cinematic Orchestra were at the forefront of this new wave of jazz. They mixed live instruments with electronic beats and samples to create a sound that was both groovy and sophisticated. St. Germain's album "Tourist" is considered one of the seminal works in the genre, featuring a mix of jazz, house, and African influences that created a unique and captivating sound. Another important figure in the development of Nu Jazz was the German label Compost Records. Founded in 1994, Compost Records was one of the first to specialize in this new kind of jazz, releasing music that blurred the lines between jazz, electronic, and world music. The label's roster featured artists like Kruder & Dorfmeister, Trüby Trio, and Beanfield, who all contributed to the development of the genre. Nu Jazz became an international phenomenon in the early 2000s, with artists from all over the world contributing to its growth. The French Touch movement, which was popularized by acts like Daft Punk and Air, had a significant impact on Nu Jazz, with artists like Les Gammas and Parov Stelar incorporating house and electro elements into their music. The genre continued to evolve and diversify throughout the 2000s and 2010s, with some artists blending jazz and hip-hop to create a new sub-genre known as jazz-hop. This fusion was particularly popular with younger audiences, who were drawn to its upbeat and energetic sound. Today, Nu Jazz remains a vibrant and influential genre, with artists continuing to push its boundaries and explore new possibilities. While it may have started as a niche movement, it has grown into an international phenomenon that has left its mark on the world of music.

Bugge Wesseltoft: The Norwegian pianist and composer Bugge Wesseltoft is one of the pioneers of nu jazz. His unique style blends electronic club music with a jazz aesthetic, creating an innovative and exciting sound that has influenced countless artists in the genre. Nils Petter Molvaer: A trumpet player and composer from Norway, Nils Petter Molvaer is considered one of the most important figures in nu jazz. With his boundary-breaking albums, such as "Khmer" and "Solid Ether," he has helped define the sound of the genre and influenced many other artists. Cinematic Orchestra: The Cinematic Orchestra is a British band known for their film score-like music, which combines jazz, electronic and classical elements to create a unique and cinematic sound. Their albums, such as "Everyday" and "Ma Fleur," are instant classics of the nu jazz genre. St Germain: The French musician Ludovic Navarre, better known as St Germain, is one of the most successful artists in nu jazz. His breakthrough album, "Tourist," combined jazz music with deep house and blues, creating a sophisticated and infectious sound that still sounds fresh today. Matthew Herbert: The British artist Matthew Herbert is known for his experimental and politically charged music, which often incorporates unusual sounds, found objects and field recordings. His album "Plat du Jour" is a landmark of nu jazz, blending jazz music with electronica and spoken word. Koop: The Swedish duo Koop is famous for their dreamy and nostalgic music, which draws inspiration from old jazz recordings and samples. Their album "Waltz for Koop" is a perfect example of their sound, which combines acoustic instruments with electronic beats. Jazzanova: The German collective Jazzanova has been at the forefront of nu jazz since the late 1990s. Their music blends jazz with various other genres, such as soul, funk, and hip-hop, and often features guest vocalists. Their album "The Remixes 1997-2000" is a great introduction to their sound. Jamie Cullum: The British singer and pianist Jamie Cullum has crossed over from jazz to mainstream pop with his catchy and upbeat songs. However, his earlier albums, such as "Pointless Nostalgic" and "Twentysomething," are still considered classics of the nu jazz genre. BadBadNotGood: The Canadian band BadBadNotGood mixes jazz with hip-hop and experimental rock, creating a fresh and exciting sound that defies categories. Their collaborations with rappers such as Tyler, the Creator and Ghostface Killah have made them one of the most innovative groups in nu jazz. Robert Glasper: The American pianist and producer Robert Glasper is a true innovator of jazz, blending it with hip-hop, R&B and electronic elements. His album "Black Radio" won a Grammy award and showcased his talent for collaborating with artists from diverse genres and backgrounds.

1. "Black Gold of the Sun" by 4hero 2. "Montreux Sunrise" by St. Germain 3. "Rain" by Jazzanova 4. "Aphrodisiac" by Bugge Wesseltoft 5. "Liberty City" by Urban Species 6. "Destiny" by Zero 7 7. "Les Nuits" by Nightmares on Wax 8. "The Message" by Nicolas Repac 9. "Do It Again" by Jazztronik 10. "Nouvelle Vague" by Nouvelle Vague 11. "Rose Rouge" by St. Germain 12. "Brighton Beach" by Telepopmusik 13. "Feelin' Good" by Micatone 14. "Dearest" by Fragile State 15. "Sing It Back" by Moloko 16. "Another New Day" by Jazzanova 17. "Eple" by Röyksopp 18. "Etcetera" by Eddie Palmieri 19. "Streamline" by Alex Gopher 20. "Time Is Running Out" by Jazztronik 21. "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix) 22. "Days Like This" by Shaun Escoffery 23. "Vibin' Out" by FKJ 24. "Fever" by Bebel Gilberto 25. "Be Thankful for What You've Got" by Massive Attack

One notable book is "Future Jazz" by Howard Mandel, which explores the origins of Nu Jazz and its relation to the broader jazz tradition. Mandel writes, "Nu Jazz is an extension of the jazz continuum, reinterpreting the tradition much as bebop did 50 years ago." He also emphasizes the genre's emphasis on technology and innovation, stating that "Nu Jazz thrives on the influence of digital technology, whether it's the electronic instruments that punctuate its beats, the software that expands its players' abilities, or the cyberspace networks that spread its sounds globally." Another book is "Jazz and Culture in a Global Age" by Krin Gabbard, which examines the cultural significance of jazz in the context of globalization. Gabbard notes that Nu Jazz is part of a broader trend of global fusion and hybridity in music, and argues that the genre is an example of how "culture is now produced through circulation, exchange, and borrowing rather than through exclusive national or regional traditions." Notable quotes from musicians and critics also shed light on the impact and significance of Nu Jazz. Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, known for his fusion of jazz and rock music, has said of the genre: "Nu Jazz is essentially crossover music that's trying to yoke together two different worlds and make them sound seamless." This sentiment is echoed by music critic Scott Yanow, who describes Nu Jazz as "aiming for a middle ground between jazz and other forms of popular music without watering down the jazz content or deadening the groove with excessive electronics." The use of technology in Nu Jazz is also a topic of discussion. Saxophonist and composer Greg Osby argues that "vintage jazz recordings are no longer the only suitable reference points for contemporary jazz musicians," and that new technology allows for experimentation and expansion of the genre. However, pianist Jason Moran cautions that "technology is a tool, not the end product," and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of jazz as an art form even as it evolves.

One of the external conditions that helped bring Nu Jazz into existence was the decline of the traditional Jazz scene. Jazz had been a popular genre in the mid-20th century, but its popularity dwindled in the 1970s and 1980s. This decline created an opportunity for Jazz musicians to experiment with new styles and sounds in an attempt to revive interest in the genre. Another external condition that played a key role in the emergence of Nu Jazz was the rise of electronic music. The 1990s saw the emergence of electronic dance music (EDM), which incorporated electronic instruments and production techniques to create a new sound that was highly popular among younger audiences. Jazz musicians saw an opportunity to incorporate electronic elements into their music to appeal to a younger audience. The cultural context of the time also played a role in the emergence of Nu Jazz. The 1990s was a period of cultural and social change that favored experimentation and breaking down traditional structures. The rise of hip-hop, which was built on sampling and remixing existing music, also influenced Jazz musicians to experiment with new sounds and techniques. Notable record labels played a significant role in the development and promotion of Nu Jazz. One of the most prominent labels was UK-based label, Ninja Tune. The label was founded in 1990 and specialized in releasing instrumental hip-hop and electronic music. Later, they expanded their roster to include Jazz musicians who were experimenting with electronic sounds, such as The Cinematic Orchestra and Bonobo. Blue Note Records, which had been one of the most prominent Jazz labels in the mid-20th century, also played a significant role in the development of Nu Jazz. The label’s president, Bruce Lundvall, signed a number of Nu Jazz artists, including the New York-based Jazz group, Medeski Martin and Wood. Journalists and music critics also played a key role in the development and promotion of Nu Jazz. Gilles Peterson, a British DJ and radio host, was one of the key figures who championed the genre. He hosted a popular BBC radio show that featured Nu Jazz and other experimental Jazz styles. Peterson later established his record label, Acid Jazz, which released music from a number of prominent Nu Jazz artists, including the Jazzanova collective and Jazztronik.