Rising Stars: Jazz

Get set for the young lions out there on the frontlines creating new ways to swing. Some of today's hottest jazz artists come with an impressive pedigree — take Gerald Clayton, for example, who continues the work of his father, the Grammy®-winning bassist and arranger John Clayton. Seventeen year old vocalist Nikki Yanofsky is already well on her way to experience Krall- and Bublé-level crossover success, while drummer Kendrick Scott takes time out from keeping time for the likes of trumpeter Terence Blanchard to lead his own group Oracle.

Hear the new princes of piano in Next Steps.

From Monk to Jarrett, intrepid ivory-pounders have always been among jazz's biggest boundary-pushers, and some of the hottest new properties in jazz uphold that powerful pine-top tradition. From old world giving way to a brilliant new universe of jazz possibilities. From Seattle native James Parks to Krakow, Poland's Marcin Wasilewski to Orrin Evans of Trenton, New Jersey (from fledgling supergroup Tarbaby), the 88 keys continue to be in good hands.

Explore exciting original works of new composers in Deep Steps.

Following in the spiritual footsteps of the great Toshiko Akiyoshi, composer/conductor/arranger and Japanese native Chie Imaizumi has been creating dynamic original pieces such as "Fun & Stupid Song" after studying at the famed Berklee College of Music — as Akiyoshi did. Sarah Manning is a double threat alto saxophonist, with a talent for coming up with whimsical titles to her equally imaginative compositions. Ben Wendel has played with both Snoop Dogg and as member of Kneebody (see The Basics), but the saxophonist is also writes for films and both jazz and chamber ensembles.

Soak up the sounds that jazz worshippers will still be talking about 20 years from now. These ascending artists offer proof-positive that the jaded jazzbos who claim there's nothing new happening today just aren't using their ears. From sweet-voiced songbirds to post-bop agitators, from gently elegant melodists to frenzied, four-alarm barn-burners, these are the musical movers and shakers who are casting the mold for the shape of jazz to come.