Get ready to embark on a sonic exploration with our guest Jenna Chapman, an astute dj, seasoned radio personality, and lifelong jazz enthusiast. You'll discover how evolving trends are breathing fresh life into the jazz arena, redefining its essence and broadening its audience. We discuss the interplay of diverse musical styles, such as hip hop, funk, and R&B, blending with jazz to create a unique soundscape, replete with polyrhythmic beats and atmospheric melodies.
As we traverse the landscapes of Chicago and London, we delve into the burgeoning jazz scenes thriving there. We shine a spotlight on International Anthem Recording Co., a Chicago-based label fostering a community of innovative musicians and the London-based nonprofit program Tomorrow's Warriors, nurturing the future of jazz. You'll hear about Mercury Prize-winner Nubia Garcia, the proactive social messaging in Shabaka Hutchings' projects, and how these new jazz scenes champion gender and social inclusivity.
As we wrap up our journey, we applaud the power of collaboration, exemplified by jazz giants like Kamasi Washington, who are bringing jazz to the mainstream. We also grapple with the conundrum of labeling this avant-garde wave of jazz, tossing around names like Universal Jazz, Transatlantic Jazz, Trip-Hop, and After-Jazz. So, plug in your headphones and immerse yourself in this enlightening conversation as we traverse the dynamic universe of jazz.