Jazz music is one of the most instrinsically creative art forms to be birthed from Black ingenuity. It merges instrumentation, improvisation and emotion all in one art form. March 1st is national Women in Jazz and the Arts Day. This day honors the many Black women who have contributed to this genre of music and the distinctiveness of their talent.
Here are five Black women jazz musicians to know and incorporate into your daily listening routine.
Brandee Younger
Incorporating funk and soul with jazz music, Brandee Younger's mastery of the harp is unmatched. Her work is connected to the traditions built by the likes of Alice Coltrane, while she adds her own individuality to her compositions.
Samara Joy
This recent Grammy-award winner has taken the music industry by storm with her powerful vocal ability. Reminiscent of the old jazz greats, Samara Joy has achieved great heights at only 22-years-old. Her hit song "Can't Get Out Of This Mood" not only earned her recognition from the Recording Academy but has pulled in a whole new generation into the wonder of music genre.
Terri Lynne Carrington
A world-renowned drummer, Terri Lynne Carrington has contributed to some of the most innovative jazz projects over the past few decades. Carrington is an educator as well as a composer and producer and has played alongside jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau and numerous others.
Esperanza Spalding
A bass virtuoso, singer, songwriter and composer, Esperanza Spalding has set the tone for jazz singers in the 21st century. A professor of music, she is known for her close friendship with the late Prince and her unique performance style.
Rachelle Ferrell
Rachelle Ferrell is a vocalist in every sense of the word. Developing and honing a six octave range by adulthood, Ferrell has been widely lauded for her musicality, vocal stylings and her skills as a pianist. Many jazz artists today have noted her as a significant influence in their own artistry.
