Here are some musicians and bands that have played a significant role in defining Nu Jazz:

St. Germain: A pioneer of Nu Jazz, St. Germain, the stage name of French musician Ludovic Navarre, combined elements of house and nu jazz music. His album "Tourist" from 2000 is a milestone of the genre.

Jazzanova: This Berlin-based DJ/producer collective has been influential in the Nu Jazz and electronic music scene since the late '90s. They're known for their fusion of jazz, electronica, and Brazilian music.

The Cinematic Orchestra: Founded in 1999 by Jason Swinscoe, The Cinematic Orchestra incorporates elements of jazz, classical, and electronic music into their sound, producing a unique blend that has been influential in the Nu Jazz genre.

Koop: Swedish duo Koop combined elements of jazz with electronic music in their work, creating a style that was uniquely their own and influential in the development of Nu Jazz.

Nils Petter Molvær: Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær has been an influential figure in the Nu Jazz genre, combining elements of jazz, ambient, house, electronic, and breakbeat in his music.

Jaga Jazzist: This Norwegian band blends jazz with electronic music elements, creating a unique sound that's been influential in the Nu Jazz scene.

Bugge Wesseltoft: This Norwegian pianist, composer, and producer is considered one of the pioneers of the Nu Jazz genre. He's known for his work both as a solo artist and as a part of the band New Conception of Jazz.

Matthew Herbert: Known for his experimental work in electronic music, Matthew Herbert has also made significant contributions to Nu Jazz, particularly with his use of organic and real-world sounds.

These artists and others have played a crucial role in the development of Nu Jazz, helping to define its unique sound and influence.

This innovative genre emerged towards the close of the 20th century and has since given us an impressive array of unique tracks and albums. So, let's embark on a sonic journey through the decades, appreciating the nuances of some of the finest pieces of work that have beautifully embodied the spirit of Nu Jazz.

Late 1990s - The Dawn of Nu Jazz:

"Life Changes" (1997) by Ski Oakenfull: This debut album from Oakenfull showcased an innovative blend of electronic music with jazz and funk influences, marking an early milestone in the evolution of Nu Jazz.

"New Conception of Jazz" (1996) by Bugge Wesseltoft: This groundbreaking album skillfully fused jazz improvisation with electronic beats, helping to shape the sound of Nu Jazz in its early days.

2000s - Nu Jazz Takes Shape:

"Tourist" (2000) by St. Germain: Recognized as a classic in Nu Jazz, this album fused house music with elements of blues and jazz, and gained international acclaim.

"Every Day" (2002) by The Cinematic Orchestra: With its unique combination of jazz, electronic, and classical music, this album set a high standard in the developing genre of Nu Jazz.

"Waltz for Koop" (2001) by Koop: This album was significant in defining the Nu Jazz sound, as it successfully merged elements of electronic jazz and swing.

2010s - Nu Jazz Expands Its Horizons:

"The Cherry Thing" (2012) by Neneh Cherry & The Thing: This inventive album pushed the boundaries of Nu Jazz by introducing a blend of free jazz, electronic music, and hip hop elements.

"Black Sands" (2010) by Bonobo: Although primarily classified as downtempo electronic music, this album’s strong Nu Jazz elements played a significant role in influencing the genre.

"Man Made Object" (2016) by GoGo Penguin: With this album, GoGo Penguin presented another unique perspective on Nu Jazz, skillfully combining elements of jazz, trip-hop, and classical music.

2020s - The Future of Nu Jazz:

"It Is What It Is" (2020) by Thundercat: This Grammy-winning album brilliantly combined elements of jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music.

From its early days in the late 20th century to its ongoing evolution today, Nu Jazz has consistently blurred the lines between genres, seamlessly blending jazz's improvisational prowess with the innovative capabilities of electronic music.

Nu Jazz is a genre that infuses traditional jazz with electronic music, creating a unique sound that is both complex and accessible. Some of the most popular festivals and events that represent this genre include the Montreal Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the London Jazz Festival.

These events feature performances by top Nu Jazz artists, such as Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Petter Molvaer, and Jamie Cullum.

Other notable events include the Jazz à Vienne festival in France, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in Denmark. These festivals showcase the diversity of Nu Jazz, with a range of styles and influences on display. Overall, Nu Jazz festivals offer a chance to experience this exciting and dynamic genre in a live setting, and are a must-visit for fans of contemporary jazz.