How Domi & JD Beck Are Revolutionizing Jazz Music For The Modern Era
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Jazz music is not just a genre, but a reservoir of talent. Musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Dave Weckl, Victor Wooten, and Jaco Pastorius leave listeners spellbound as they marvel at the technical prowess of these maestros. Often, they wonder if their hands are possessed by magic. Yet, despite all of this, we seldom see the genre entering the charts in today’s time. Thankfully, it looks like that’s all about to change.
While Domi Louna started playing the drums, keyboards, and piano at the ripe age of 3, eventually moving to Berklee College of Music in Boston to study, JD Beck began playing live shows on the drums when he was just 9 years old. He played with Cleon Edwards (of Erykah Badu’s band), Robert “Sput” Searight, and soul musician Jon Bap while receiving mentorship from them. The two first met at the National Association of Music Merchants show in 2018, and they met once again at Erykah Badu’s birthday party when they decided to make music together.
They performed with renowned musicians such as Anderson.Paak and Thundercat in 2019 while also touring with math rock legends Chon. They began to receive recognition after posting performances of their original work online. In 2022, the child prodigy duo released their first single “Smile” from their debut album “Not Tight” after signing with Anderson.Paak’s record label Apeshit, which partnered with the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records.
The album featured some of the finest musicians in jazz, hip-hop, and indie music, such as Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Thundercat, Mac Demarco, and Herbie Hancock. The album was well received by both critics and fans alike, eventually topping the US Top Contemporary Jazz Albums (Billboard) and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 65th Grammy Awards.
By mixing drum and bass, hip hop, and electronica with genius-level musicianship that is almost alien-like, Domi and JD Beck have made jazz music a part of today’s popular culture. One can only imagine the breakthroughs and innovations these two will achieve in the years to come. The future of jazz is in safe hands.
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