Black Women are leading the Modern Jazz Movement. Here is a comprehensive list.
Circa 2021. I WAS NOT WRONG. AT ALL.
Photo: Meme of the legendary Death Row Records Vibe Cover shoot, but replace the members of the label with the infinitely talented Cecile McLorin Salvant, Samara Joy (pre-grammy), Endea Owens and Alexis Morrast. The future and core of Modern Jazz.
Looking for that quality? We have that.
Been saying it for a while, but the modern jazz/jazz revival movement is in full swing, and it has been for a while. Might be due to the Berklee/Colburn background, but this format has always held the primary space in our hearts. To see so many Black women following their dreams and finding success is beyond reassuring.
Here are the beautiful, wonderful Black Women leading this new era of music that will likely stand the test of time.
Cecile McLorin Salvant: The Originator. She essentially pulled up to the Theolonius Monk Vocal competition in 2011/12 and told all my friends from Berklee to go home that year. Amazing. A key player and leader in the revival at a VERY important time (the death of Amy Winehouse was tough. Her voice was very reassuring). Fangirling ever since finding out. Thanks, Ike Moses.
Samara Joy: The TikTok legend went mainstream. Long before the Grammy, it was adorable to watch her sing with her Father and family just for the joy of it. It was only a matter of time. When she popped up on Cecile’s timeline, I knew she was blessed forever.
Endea Owens: Goddess of the upright, Queen of Stephen Colbert’s live band. Also the queen of walking basslines all over Jon Baptiste’s work. A forever favorite, loved her since emerging from Julliard, posting 15 clips of her genius in the earliest format of Instagram videos. A reminder that hard work pays off.
Alexis Morrast: If Cassandra Wilson and Nancy Wilson had a Soprano baby. Vocal tone warmer than a 72-degree summer day in LA. The Berklee Prodigy you will hear and see more of shortly. Please head to her Instagram for more.
Aneesa Al-Musawwir: Black Women on upright bass. Taking over. People finally finding her covers on Instagram brings joy.
Ebban Dorsey: So José James has the UNCANNY ability to consistently find the greatest virtuosos of our generation. Ebban is one of them. Just heard her live for the first time at José’s Ford show. It was an absolutely beautiful moment.
Lakecia Benjamin: The Saxophone Goddess. Tone is unstoppable. An Electric Garden favorite.
Changamaire: Leader of The New Jazz Listener, turns out she also has a solid career as a jazz vocalist herself. Been digging in. It’s pretty solid, and we wish she would have blessed us in one of our many rooms.
This is an incomplete list, by default. There is just no way to possibly know ALL the emerging and existing talent out there. But these are the up-and-coming, the innovators, and music friends that supported ESPR the way we supported them. It’s great to see them winning.
What do you think? Who is missing? Speak up in the comments, socials, wherever, and listen to Alexis’ voice below while you wander. Happy to expand this list if you have the talent.
Also, while looking up the links, found out that today, 8.28, is Cecile’s birthday. Happy birthday, queen. Thanks for making us care about music.