Nu jazz typically ventures farther into the electronic territory than does its close cousin, acid jazz, which is generally closer to earthier funk, soul, and rhythm and blues, although releases from noted groove & smooth jazz artists such as the Groove Collective and Pamela Williams blur the distinction between the styles. Nu jazz can be very experimental in nature and can vary widely in sound and concept. The sound, unlike acid jazz, departs from its blues roots and instead explores electronic sounds and ethereal jazz sensualities. Nu jazz "is the music itself and not the individual dexterity of the musicians."[3]
Development in the 21st century
Los Angeles scene
Los Angeles based artist Flying Lotus and artists under his independent record label, Brainfeeder, have instigated significant stylistic development and commercial exposure of nu jazz.[4] While nu jazz is not the primary focus of Brainfeeder, many of the in-house artists such as Thundercat, Taylor McFerrin, Daedelus, and Flying Lotus fuse jazz elements with experimental electronic sounds. Cosmogramma by Flying Lotus released on April 20, 2010 featured jazz saxophonist Ravi Coltrane in "Arkestry" and "Germain Haircut" which both present avant-garde jazz backed by dense futuristic beats and texture.[5] Flying Lotus's more recent work, You're Dead! released in 2014 October 20, invited the performance of saxophonist Kamasi Washington and jazz titan Herbie Hancock who shared his prowess as a keyboardist and co-writer.[6] Both albums by Flying Lotus were awarded "Best New Music" by Pitchfork. On November 27, 2015, Daedelus and Grammy nominated jazz fusion group, Kneebody, released a collaboration album entitled Kneedelus.[7]
