I'm a keyboardist/composer doing mostly instrumental Contemporary jazz. I have group called Giocoso. www.giocoso.org performing many of my compositions.
It's a four piece consisting of Keys, Drums, Bass and Sax/flute. Occasionally adding a percussionist, or even using elec. violin or elec. guitar instead of sax. For me the elements that are most important in jazz music are emotion and a certain amount of unpredictability. The improvisation factor keeps us excited about doing the same tunes again. And hopefully keeps our fans excited about hearing them again.