Minton's Playhouse Docuseries

The potential audience for jazz has grown significantly. About one-third of American adults (up from 26 percent in 1982) reported that they liked jazz, and about five percent (up from three percent in 1982) reported that they liked jazz best of all musical genres. In 1992, 25 percent of adult Americans expressed a desire to attend jazz performances more often than they do now, compared with 18 percent in 1982. In 1992, approximately ten percent of adult Americans (19.7 million) attended a jazz performance during the previous year, and 20 percent listened to a jazz recording. These figures are approximately the same as those reported for 1982. But 22 percent watched jazz on television in some form (broadcast or videotape), up from 18 percent in 1982, and 28 percent listened to jazz radio, a dramatic increase over the 18 percent a decade earlier. The overall profile reveals an audience base that is affluent, well educated, youthful, and ethnically diverse. The frequency-of-attendance data show that the audience that frequently participates in jazz is strikingly male, well educated, well off, and black, in comparison with the general adult population. In 1992, approximately 1.7 percent of adult Americans reported performing or rehearsing jazz over the previous year. Although jazz retains a multiracial audience, it enjoys particular support in the black community. More than half (54 percent) of the adult African American population reports liking jazz, compared with only a third (32 percent) of whites. (Americans for the Arts)

This statistic presents the share of Americans who listened to Jazz and Blues in 2023, by age. As of December 2023, 15 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 years, who listen to the radio, stated that they listened to Jazz and Blues on the radio. The survey was conducted in 2023, among 5,310 respondents.

How many people listen to jazz in the US?

Out of the broadest possible audience of approximately 185 million adult Americans, about a third (34 percent), or roughly 63 million, say they "like jazz." Of these, no more than one in seven (5 percent of the broadest possible audience, or 9.5 million) reports liking jazz "best of all." And of those who preferred. (AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS)

 Who is the target audience for jazz music?

Jazz in the US primarily appeals to adults aged 35+, with higher levels of education and income. Given its historical and cultural significance, jazz is typically promoted through institutions like universities and museums, and is thus associated with sophistication and refinement. (De Novo Agency)

24 Modern Jazz Artists Reinventing the sound of Jazz in 2024

Jazz artists’ conjures up images of the great classics like Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong. But there’s a new school of modern Jazz artists re-imagining and reinventing contemporary Jazz for today (sometimes called ‘nu jazz‘). These artists are able to stay true to the essence of Jazz whilst infusing a spectrum of modern influences in their sound. We’re always here for it – good music is always inspired, yet spurred onwards by sounds of the past.

From London in particular, there’s been a real groundswell of modern jazz talent, including Ezra Collective, Steam Down, Nubya Garcia, Tom Misch, Moses Boyd and Kamaal Williams. But it doesn’t stop there. We also see artists from other UK spots including Nottingham, Oxfordshire and of course, worldwide too.

It’s incredible to see a new generation adopt and reinvent the sound of a timeless genre, proving that ‘good music’ not only lives on but thrives. We are ecstatic about all this fresh and developing talent. So here’s a list of nu jazz / modern Jazz artists you should have on your radar and on your playlists. (The Blues Project)

Jazz has been thriving for over a century since its inception. After its heyday in the 1920s to 1930s, it slowly moved away from the mainstream. Since then, jazz artists have been incorporating elements from other genres, e.g., blues, R&B, funk and rock, and achieved various degrees of attention and commercial success. However, jazz’s popularity never returns to anywhere close to what it used to be. This study attempted to describe the current state of jazz with data obtained through Spotify Web API and various other sources. Data quality, availability, characteristics, popularity of jazz tracks and followers of jazz artists were examined closely and discussed in detail. (Medium - George Tsang)

17 Modern Jazz Musicians Shaping The Future Of Jazz

The future of jazz has always been shaped by young jazz musicians seeing new modes of expression. Here are just a few to keep an eye on.

From its inception in New Orleans bordellos at the dawn of the 20th century, jazz has never stood still. Jazz has always been fueled by modern, contemporary artists, young jazz musicians seeking new modes of expression. Indeed, the future of jazz has always reflected the changing times that have shaped its creators’ sensibilities.

In the second decade of the 21st Century, the music whose essence is improvisation is prospering again: a younger generation of listeners have turned to pathfinding figures like Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington, who have helped jazz reclaim its relevance. With broader exposure, young jazz musicians are passing on the music’s DNA and keeping it alive – and ever-changing – by marrying it with other types of music.  (UDiscovermusic)
 

Jazz has captivated audiences since its surge in popularity in the early 20th century, with staggering complexity, breath-taking improvisation and a sheer sense of cool that just can’t be beaten. (Skyllence)

New Orleans, Louisiana

The home of jazz, New Orleans should be first on any would-be cool cat’s list. Nestled in the sweltering swamps of Louisiana, the bayous of this world-famous city are legendary for having incubated this genre at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, New Orleans has only built on that legacy, making it today one of the world’s foremost music destinations and a must-visit for aficionados of the artform.

New York City, New York

As jazz spread up from the deep south, it was inevitable that it would eventually reach the Big Apple. New York’s status as a home for all-comers made it a welcoming environment for Jazz to flourish in, leading to divergent styles and a scene to rival that of New Orleans. Exclusive travel into this city promises hundreds of jazz clubs and an experience like no other, with jazz here seen through the inimitable lens of New York’s culture.

Paris, France

Jazz isn’t limited to the mainland USA, as after its inception it eventually spread to all corners of the world. Paris has long been a city synonymous with culture of all forms, and given that jazz fits that remit it’s little surprise the artform spread to the city of love. Moreover, the roots of jazz in the American south tie in with the lives of French diaspora communities. The voice of jazz itself, it’s fair to say, is a creole one, making the existence of the Paris jazz scene a lot more logical than it might first appear.

Chicago, Illinois

A staging post in the route up the Mississippi, Chicago’s musical history has always been shaped by – and itself shaped – that of New Orleans. Jazz is no exception, and after its origins in the deep south this form of music headed to the windy city. Chicago’s attitude and sensibilities moulded the music into a distinct genre, and jazz superfans often embark on journeys to the city via luxury travel to sample its unique blend.

London, United Kingdom

Most British history involves stealing the best bits of other cultures (sometimes literally) and adapting them. Jazz is a good example of this, and after its initial surge in the States the UK scene began to spread its wings, centred on London. To this day London remains a hotbed for jazz artists from around the world, combining traditional beats with a modern, urban re-imagining.

Tokyo, Japan

It might seem an anomaly on this list, but make no mistake: Japan loves jazz. There’s an inevitability to a city with 14 million inhabitants which means that any kind of hobby is sure to be represented. Beyond simple mathematics, the city continues to represent the genre which spread to the region from the Philippines, an American colony in the 1920s. All of this means one thing: private aviation services that enter Tokyo in search of jazz never leave disappointed.

San Francisco, California

American jazz isn’t confined to the east coast and the Mississippi delta. Like most cultural phenomena in the US, it eventually spread out west into creative hotbeds like San Francisco. Today, jazz in the Golden State attracts visitors from around the world because of the obsession with live, outdoor music – little wonder when the weather is as good as it is in San Francisco!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Any excuse for a carnival and Rio de Janeiro is all over it. Jazz itself is a celebration of improvisation, diversity and individual exuberance, all of which could be tag-lines for the Brazilian city. The two have meshed so well that VIP air travel clients often eschew the traditional favourites on this list in favour of Rio de Janeiro, safe in the knowledge that it’s impossible to fail to have a good time in the city.

Barcelona, Spain

More cultured, distinguished high-end experiences can be found in the stunning city of Barcelona, where jazz clubs lie dotted amongst the beautiful architecture of this irresistible city. That’s not to say it’s stuffy or boring though – far from it, as the thousands of revellers who flock to Barcelona each year in search of jazz will attest to.

Sydney, Australia

The endless enthusiasm of the Australian nation means that they’ll give anything a crack, and jazz is no exception. Have-a-go hobbyists the Australians are not though, as the country’s burgeoning jazz scene makes clear. Sydney is the epicentre of what is now a fully-fledged jazz movement, with distinct styles and a whole range of unique influences that clearly delimit it from its western origins. For UK travellers, business jets are a must when flights of this duration are involved to keep you fresh and ready to hit the jazz clubs on arrival!

Havana, Cuba

Staring at New Orleans from directly across the Gulf of Mexico, it’s little wonder that Havana developed a keen interest in jazz. Blending the American tradition with Spanish Caribbean elements has meant that the jazz scene in Havana is now distinct from that of its neighbour. This offers visitors the unique opportunity to be part of a genre that can’t be heard anywhere else in the world. The regional peculiarities of Cuban Jazz are sure to delight both the newcomer and seasoned jazzaholic alike.

Harlem, New York City

The legacy of the Harlem Renaissance for jazz enthusiast is alive and well week nights at Minton's Playhouse Jazz Club and Lounge in New York City! The Minton's Playhouse Docuseries will be supported by a series of live music and foodie showcase, festivals, concerts and music award ceremonies.