Whenever I’m asked about the current pulse of jazz, my answer is always the same: from my vantage point here in New Orleans, the horizon looks incredibly bright. This city isn’t a stagnant monument to jazz history; it is a vibrant, living ecosystem—a gumbo where jazz, blues, and countless other influences simmer together. It’s exactly this spirit that draws artists like myself to a scene so welcoming, where seasoned masters and emerging talents are constantly invited to share the stage and trade ideas.

As the undisputed cradle of jazz, New Orleans is a city brimming with history, yet it pulses with relentless innovation. It respects its heritage while aggressively forging new paths, which is precisely why this quintessential American art form remains so profoundly relevant today.

My own musical foundation began in London, rooted in the joyful, blues-drenched jazz that once served as the popular music of the day. My father, the opera singer Handel Owen, introduced me to the music of my first heroines—the formidable, unapologetic women of the 1940s and 50s. These women were masters of the piano, audacious bandleaders, and self-assured performers who approached their craft with sharp wit and undeniable charisma.

Nellie Lutcher was my first revelation. Hearing “Fine Brown Frame” as a five-year-old was a transformative experience; even without grasping the lyrics, the sheer, percussive energy of her delivery was electric. She was followed by Julia Lee, the Kansas City powerhouse known for her clever, suggestive songs like “King Sized Papa.” Despite their massive success in an era that tried to silence female voices, these pioneers were bold, commanding figures who inspired me to embrace my own authentic, fearless self.

During the isolation of the pandemic, I turned to these legends to navigate my own uncertainty. I reignited a long-held ambition: to honor the badass women who had lifted my spirits during my darkest times. The result was a turning point. Immersed in these soulful melodies and backed by my band, The Gentlemen Callers, I stepped into the spotlight with a newfound sense of abandon and creative flair.

In our current climate of constant turbulence, my mission is simple: to bring joy to my audience. There is profound magic in touring with musicians who both challenge my artistry and share in the camaraderie of the road. As my father once wisely told me, “It’s a demanding life, so you’d better love it.” He reminded me that while style matters, it’s substance and talent that truly endure.

I have never considered myself a jazz purist; my work has always blurred the lines between jazz, blues, rock, and classical. While the music industry often pushes artists to replicate their previous hits for the sake of profit, that path has never held any appeal for me.

Thankfully, we are entering an era that rewards individuality. Take, for instance, Jon Batiste’s genre-defying success—it serves as a powerful reminder that artists should define their own terms. New Orleans remains at the forefront of this movement, with a new generation of musicians like Trombone Shorty, the Trumpet Mafia, and Tuba Skinney keeping the culture alive by fusing traditional jazz with funk, hip-hop, and rock. Whether it is the brilliance of 16-year-old prodigy River Eckert or the global resonance of stars like Samara Joy and Laufey, the future of jazz is not just secure—it is flourishing.

Authenticity resonates. My audience is evolving, becoming younger and more diverse. Nothing touches me more deeply than hearing a new fan say, “I never realized I liked jazz,” or hearing a young woman tell me, “I want to be as fearless as you.” That, to me, is the ultimate measure of success.

Passing the torch to the next generation is the greatest privilege of my career. From where I stand, jazz isn’t just surviving—it is evolving into something more vibrant than ever.

Judith Owen’s latest album, “Suit Yourself,” is out now via Twanky Records. Recorded at New Orleans’ Esplanade Studios, the collection is a brilliant fusion of big band, jazz, and blues. For more on the album and upcoming tour dates, visit her official website.