Seven can't-miss newcomers keeping the spirit of jazz going

Herbie Hancock, who at 85 years young is one of the elder statesmen and authorities of jazz, says jazz is a spirit.Though traditions of the genre remain consistent through the decades, jazz has also historically been about expanding the genre.That remains very much the case in 2025.

In the jazz up and comers of today, the hallmarks of improvisation, musicality, humanity and depth are very much present.But they’re being presented by a new generation with vitality, freshness and innovation.

Here are seven elite newcomers keeping the spirit of jazz alive at the top level.AnnahstasiaAnnahstasia’s stunning debut, “Tether,” (out June 13) is a deceptively powerful record.

Gentle, soft, elegant and graceful in a way that calls to mind a female Nick Drake, it is actually a bold statement to dare listeners to think and feel this much in these tumultuous times.“With my record the important messages in it are our empathy, rest, kindness, slowness and intention, which I think in today’s world we all need to take moments for,” the L.A.-based artist says of the magnificent “Tether.” From the gorgeous opener, “Be Kind,” to the uplifting closer, “Believer,” this 11-song statement is as beautiful a record as you will hear this year and heralds the arrival of a major talent.Jazz influences: Billie Holiday, Alice Coltrane, John Coltrane, Carlos Nino, Laraaji Maya DelilahThe 24-year-old Brit pulls off a pretty nifty trick on her superb debut, “The Long Way Round.” The guitar prodigy, who says she grew up playing in a jazz band, has effectively captured nostalgia for a time she wasn’t alive for.

“When making this record I was referring to a lot of records I grew up on such as ‘Tapestry,’ Carole King; ‘Blue,’ Joni Mitchell; ‘Bryter Layter,’ Nick Drake — so for me this record feels very nostalgic.I really hope it has the essence of nostalgia for others too,” Delilah says.

Indeed, much of the album has a laidback ‘70s vibe, punctu...