THE DJS: INNOVATORS & ICONS
Winter Jazzfest 2025: A Jaw-Dropping Lineup of DJs and other Artists Redefining Improvisation, Innovation, and Genre-Blurring Creativity
The highly anticipated 2025 NYC Winter Jazzfest is set to ignite New York City from January 9–15, featuring a groundbreaking lineup that redefines the contemporary boundaries of jazz and its intersections with electronic music, hip-hop, R&B, and global beats.
Under the artistic guidance of founder Brice Rosenbloom, Winter Jazzfest has long celebrated jazz as a platform for experimentation and cultural fusion, showcasing artists who embody the spirit of improvisation across genres. This year’s DJ lineup is a testament to that ethos, featuring luminaries Joe Claussell, Ron Trent, Gilles Peterson, and Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) — each a master innovator in the world of electronic and dance music.
"Building on a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking DJs like Rich Medina, Toribio, DJ Logic, Lefto, DJ Spinna, Nickodemus, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Alissia, Winter Jazzfest continues to push the boundaries of musical innovation," says Rosenbloom. “These artists are not just DJs — they are stylists, crafting intricate sonic journeys that blur the lines between past and future, acoustic and electronic, movement and meditation. Improvisation moves beyond jazz; it’s the foundation of many genres, and this year’s lineup captures that spirit perfectly.”
The legacy of the late Meghan Stabile, founder of Revive Music Group, cannot be overstated. Stabile’s broad view of contemporary jazz, using hip-hop to bridge the divide between generations and musical scenes, breathed fresh energy into the NYC scene. Recognizing Stabile's inclusive vision, Rosenbloom invited her to curate a stage every year from 2008 until 2020. This collaboration brought many DJs and giants of contemporary Black music, such as Pete Rock, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Thundercat, furthering the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative artists that go beyond the jazz label.
The DJs: Innovators and Icons
Joe Claussell: A true visionary of spiritual house and Afro-Latin rhythms, Claussell's sets are renowned for their depth and soulfulness. He weaves together a tapestry of global sounds, drawing on his New York roots and incorporating ancestral percussion with contemporary beats to create an immersive and transformative experience. Joe performs a late night collaborative set with Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca at LPR on Friday January 10 as part of the Manhattan Marathon night.
Ron Trent: A pioneer of Chicago house, Trent's DJ sets are a masterclass in soulful grooves and sonic exploration. He seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and Afro-futuristic elements, creating a soundscape that is both uplifting and deeply moving. Ron Trent will bring his WARMSUPERSONIC to life with a special DJ performance, immersing the Brooklyn Marathon audience in his meticulously crafted sonic world at Jolene all night on Saturday January 11, with special guest Belinda Becker.
Gilles Peterson: A globally recognized tastemaker and curator, Peterson's DJ sets are an eclectic journey through the world of music. He effortlessly connects the dots between jazz, soul, electronic, and rare grooves, unearthing hidden gems and introducing listeners to new sounds from around the globe. Gilles hosts his special Sunday Jazz Dance Session at Xanadu with guests Makaya McCraven, Emma-Jean Thackray, Zacchae’us Paul, Melanie Charles and more on January 12.
Kieran Hebden (Four Tet): Hebden is known for his experimental and emotionally resonant approach to electronic music. His live sets are a mesmerizing blend of ambient textures, jazz-infused improvisation, and hypnotic rhythms, creating an atmosphere that is both ethereal and captivating. Hebden joins Gilles as a special guest at Xanadu on January 12.
Beyond the Turntables
Complementing the DJs are dynamic performances by boundary-pushing artists like:
Makaya McCraven: A drummer and producer who pushes the boundaries of jazz, McCraven's innovative use of live sampling and looping creates a unique and captivating sound. He masterfully blends elements of hip-hop and electronica with his jazz foundation, redefining the role of the drummer in contemporary music.
Lion Babe: This New York duo, comprised of Jillian Hervey's powerful vocals and Lucas Goodman's innovative production, delivers a captivating blend of classic R&B, electronic music, and hip-hop influences. Their music is a vibrant fusion of retro and futuristic sounds, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Emma-Jean Thackray: Hailing from Leeds, UK, Thackray is a multi-faceted artist who defies categorization. As a composer, producer, and performer, she weaves together a tapestry of jazz, soul, and psychedelia, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences to create a sound that is truly her own.
Kassa Overall: A genre-bending artist who seamlessly merges jazz improvisation with hip-hop beats and insightful lyricism, Overall's music is a powerful expression of his artistry. He uses his platform to explore themes of identity, social justice, and the complexities of the human experience.
Zacchae'us Paul: An emerging force in the contemporary jazz scene, Paul's piano playing is characterized by intricate harmonies, soulful melodies, and a spirit of adventurous improvisation. His music reflects a wide range of influences, from classical and gospel to the avant-garde, resulting in a sound that is both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Salin: With roots in Guadeloupe, Salin's music is a vibrant fusion of traditional Caribbean rhythms, electronic beats, and jazz harmonies. Her unique sound reflects her cultural heritage and demonstrates the power of music to connect across borders.
A Celebration of Cultural Exchange
Winter Jazzfest has earned widespread acclaim for its adventurous programming and cultural relevance. According to The New York Times, the festival “bridges the divide between the old and the new,” creating a space where music fans across generations and genres converge. Pitchfork calls it “a crucible of innovation,” while The Village Voice hails it as “a platform for discovery, dialogue, and community.”
This year’s festival will include panels on music, race, technology, and climate activism, as well as workshops exploring the intersections of improvisation and social change. Winter Jazzfest continues to lead the charge in using music as a medium for connection and conversation.
Winter Jazzfest 2025 will culminate in its legendary Marathon Weekend (January 10–11), with performances across two dozen venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Featuring over 100 artists and bands, the festival promises to be a dazzling showcase of creativity and collaboration.