Three Pianists: Bringing Jazz Kicking and Screaming Into The 21st Century

The most celebrated subject matter on this blog is the fact that jazz ,as a genre, is being hauled into the 21st century by a select number of artists. Regardless of what an elite number of purists may presume, this is a fantastic thing! I've stated before that I have a shelf in my bedroom stacked full of 'Jazz How to's' or 'Improvisation in Jazz' style books, none of which were written after 1980! Artists that modify and update the genre constantly are what contemporary jazz thrives on. Sure we won't forget the classics, but without this new vein of inventive composition, jazz would be dying on its feet!

One of the most predominant instruments used in the genre is the Piano. Heard just as much on a classic 1950's composition as it is now in a contemporary pop song, these are my top 3 21st century pianists.

 Jack Pescod

Founder of the fantastic 'Barcode Trio' who are sadly no longer writing together, Jack Pescod is a great example of someone who has bought jazz up to date. His compositions have an incredible melodic quality, even in sections of improvisation, which is not always an easy sound to come across.

Recommended Track: Barcode Trio - Esbjorn

Jack Pescod On Spotify

Kit Downes

A true revolutionary at the infamous black and white keys, Kit Downes is definitely someone who has captured the publics attention, with his fierce rhythmic style and wandering improvisatory patterns which have a habit of cascading instantly into a superbly crafted motif involving the entire ensemble, his sound is full of suprises and definitely something new!

Recommended Track: Kit Downes - Jump Minzi Jump

Kit Downes On Spotify 

Jamie Cullum

I don't think any musician, let alone pianist, can be credited with updating jazz and bringing it into the public eye as much as this man. With a 'Poppier', more soulful approach to the genre, Jamie cullum has been a breath of fresh air to the industry. His sound is, although perhaps not as revolutionary as that of Kit downes, still a very important pivotal point in jazz, and its not so much what he's done for the sound of 21st century jazz, as what he's done for the genre that is the incredible thing about mr Cullum.

Recommended Track: Jamie Cullum - High and Dry (Radiohead Cover)

Jamie Cullum On Spotify