When it comes to new music and artists, my Instagram cup runneth over. I’ve nearly completed compiling my sixth 30-song playlist in about three weeks.

There was just one problem: there’s little to no jazz. The algorithm took my first band “save” and ran with it. If I was gonna find modern jazz to groove to, Instagram would be of no help. At least not this time.

I was all set to Google trending jazz artists when I got a better idea. Bandcamp has always been a great source for new and exciting music, and I haven’t spent nearly enough time there lately. So, off I went. Once again, the cup fills rapidly.

Here are a few fresh (to me) finds I’ll be paying close attention to in the coming weeks and months. One thing is certain: there’s a LOT of good work being done in Great Britain!

WORK MONKEY DEATH, “A Dance for the Spirits.” Mingus lives!!! One of the most infectious grooves you’ll ever hear from bass, piano, and handclaps, straight out of the “Better Git It In Your Soul” playbook. Add a blistering tenor sax channeling Pharaoh Sanders and you have an album I can’t wait to hear all of come February 13!

SWANEK, At What Cost. Another British collective with a modern sound. Classic jazz base with contemporary samples and R&B-oriented grooves. Completely new yet very familiar.

NAT BIRCHALL QUARTET, “Red, Gold & Green.” Another saxophonist stretching his instrument to the limit while employing the occasional non-traditional rhythm or scale to get his gorgeous jazz where it’s going. The full album releases March 28.

JONAH LINDSTRÖM SEPTET, “The Cavaliers.” The Swedish guitarist appears to be channeling his inner Bill Frisell along with his own distinct six-string voice while fronting a unique band with a sound all its own. It’s an interesting departure from what is commonly known. This track is from the recently released album Humankind.

COSMIC COLLECTIVE, “Spix’s Macaw.” Genre-bending jazz that could exist right along with jam bands at a Bonnaroo-type music festival. This group of Americans clearly have a wide range of influences.

MODHA, “River.” A German duo eager to take the jazz/hip-hop connection in new directions is off to a good start on their forthcoming album At Your Pace (out March 13). The music is about as modern as it gets.

AMY GADIAGA, “Baby Goated.” Bassist/vocalist Amy Gadiaga, who is based in London, will most likely be named in the same sentence as Esperanza Spaulding. There are worse fates for a musician to endure. Gadiaga’s music finds its own niche on the title track of her new album (out March 13). It’s not every day you get jazz with a dash of Beyonce, but here we are.

ILHAN ERŞAHIN, “Yedi Tepe.” The New York-based sax player takes us on a guided tour of Istanbul, Turkey, one of his favorite cities. The music captures that flavor quite brilliantly with solid grooves and exotic percussive flavors. This music is meant for savoring, regardless of how frenetic it might get.

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed or your band photographed while in Chicago, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com