An Elastic and Impressive Year in Jazz: A Look at Releases and Genre Boundaries

The jazz scene has recently experienced an exceptional year, marked by both celebration and reflection. Among the highlights were remarkable new albums by artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Immanuel Wilkins, as well as notable live performances from talents such as Cecile McLorin Salvant and Brandon Woody. However, the year was also tinged with sorrow as the community mourned the loss of legends like Wayne Shorter, Ahmad Jamal, Jaimie Branch, and Les McCann.

Expanding the Jazz Conversation

Discussion around jazz has increasingly included artists who push the boundaries of the genre or who operate outside of it entirely. Musicians like Kassa Overall and Chief Adjuah, for instance, are creating music that challenges traditional jazz labels and the expectations associated with them. Concurrently, artists that are not squarely within the jazz domain — think Laufey or André 3000 — are sparking debates about the inclusivity of the jazz category and its definition.

The Impact of Genre Blurring

This week's Popcast delved into some of the most impressive jazz releases of the year. It also explored the genre's flexible borders, analyzing who gains and who loses when the jazz label is applied to artists who are creating work beyond formal jazz structures. The conversation featured insights from music writers Marcus J. Moore and Giovanni Russonello.

Community and Communication

The discussion underscores the importance of engaging with the jazz community to understand its evolving landscape. Listeners and commentators are encouraged to become a part of this ongoing dialogue by joining relevant social media groups and providing feedback. With a forward-looking approach, the jazz world continues to evolve while honoring its rich history and the talent-driven diversity it encompasses today.

jazz, genre, conversation