Really been getting into a lot of Prince's more jazzy work lately... stuff like 2morrow, She Spoke 2 Me, the be-bop piano line in Mad Sex...

Can anyone recommend any contemporary jazz artists for me to discover?

MattyJam said:

There's lots to choose from.... Since you mentioned Prince's jazzier tunes, I'll list jazz with vocals.... Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Michael Franks, Cassandra Wilson. Just remember, stay away from the anti-christ of jazz Kenny G!!!

I highly recommend:

Soulive. They infuse jazz with funk, soulo and hip hop. There isn't a vocalist within the group but they often have guest artist which have included among others, Black Thought from The Roots, Dave Matthews, Chaka Khan and Talib Kweli.

Norman Brown (a jazz guitarist who sings and has a very soulful vibe);

Kurt Whalum and Boney James (they're both smooth jazz sax players and the latter has had guests such as Eric Benet and Meshell N'degeocello on his alums);

Fourplay (a smooth jazz super group)

Based oon your post, I feel that these artists will suit your tastes.

i love rosemary clooney, diana krall, nat king cole, tony bennett, bing crosby, frank sinatra etc

Those names in the above post are as contemporary as my VIC-20 computer.

I would recommend Greg Osby and Don Byron of the newer bunch. If you like jazz-funk and can tolerate some high-quality spoken-word jazz on the side you will love Don Byron's "Nu Blaxploitation" album.

GangstaFam said:

You just refuse to give up.

Novabreaker said:

what's that supposed to mean?

GangstaFam said:

Oh nothing. Nevermind. Nothing negative.

Novabreaker said:

I'm pretty out of the loop with modern jazz, but this one I was quite pleased with. So it's the one I namedrop lately.

GangstaFam said:

I always namedrop the same two guys too.

Erik Truffaz

try The Dawn or Bending New Corners

damn, put some trust in my good taste!

Novabreaker said:

hahahaha thanx