Essential 2010s bebop

The best Bebop albums of the 2010s.

Where to start with 2010–2019 bebop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 2010s — bebop

Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.

Bitches Brew Live

Miles Davis

Bitches Brew Live

A swirling tapestry of electric textures, polyrhythmic grooves, and visceral improvisation that redefines the jazz experience.

Start here

Rubberband

Miles Davis

Rubberband

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul, blended with Davis's signature trumpet work and contemporary production techniques.

Start here

Play Blue: Oslo Concert

Paul Bley

Play Blue: Oslo Concert

Intimate piano improvisations intertwine with atmospheric textures, capturing the essence of a live jazz performance in real time.

Start here

The Imagine Project

Herbie Hancock

The Imagine Project

A rich tapestry of global rhythms and collaborative spirit, blending jazz with world music influences to inspire unity.

Start here

Thunder of the Gods

Sun Ra

Thunder of the Gods

Cosmic soundscapes intertwine with frenetic rhythms, creating an otherworldly experience that defies conventional musical boundaries.

Start here

Costumes Are Mandatory

Lee Konitz

Costumes Are Mandatory

An exploratory jazz album where intricate melodies intertwine with spontaneous improvisation, showcasing a profound depth and playful sophistication.

Start here

Getz/Gilberto '76

Stan Getz

Getz/Gilberto '76

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian bossa nova and American jazz, evoking warm nostalgia through soulful melodies and intricate rhythms.

Start here

Alive

Hiromi Uehara

Alive

A vibrant fusion of complex rhythms and melodies showcases Hiromi's virtuosity and spontaneous creativity within contemporary jazz.

Start here

Without a Net

Wayne Shorter

Without a Net

A sprawling exploration of jazz that blends intricate improvisation with expansive sonic landscapes, pushing the boundaries of modern composition.

Start here

Emanon

Wayne Shorter

Emanon

A cosmic blend of intricate melodies and improvisational freedom, merging jazz with orchestral and electronic elements.

Start here

The Song Is My Story

Abdullah Ibrahim

The Song Is My Story

A meditative tapestry of jazz that weaves together African rhythms and lyrical piano melodies.

Start here

Don't Cry For No Hipster

Ben Sidran

Don't Cry For No Hipster

'Don't Cry For No Hipster' encapsulates the essence of Ben Sidran's style, combining catchy rhythms with thoughtful lyrics. This album reflects his ability to make jazz relatable while maintaining its complexity, ensuring that first-time listeners have an enjoyable experience.

Start here

Move

Hiromi Uehara

Move

Dynamic rhythms and intricate melodies intertwine, showcasing a vibrant exploration of jazz's boundaries and improvisational spirit.

Start here

Gouache

Jacky Terrasson

Gouache

A vibrant blend of contemporary jazz and traditional influences, marked by intricate piano melodies and engaging improvisation.

Start here

53

Jacky Terrasson

53

A vibrant mix of bebop and contemporary jazz, intertwining intricate melodies with rhythmic spontaneity.

Start here

Follow the Sun

Kahil El'Zabar

Follow the Sun

A meditative blend of free jazz and spiritual grooves that invites listeners on a reflective sonic journey.

Start here

What It Is!

Kahil El'Zabar

What It Is!

A vibrant tapestry of free jazz intertwining intricate rhythms, emotive melodies, and spiritual improvisation.

Start here

This Time the Dream's on Me

Larry Willis

This Time the Dream's on Me

A lush tapestry of jazz harmonies interwoven with Afro-Cuban rhythms, showcasing emotive piano melodies and intricate improvisation.

Start here

The Gleaners

Larry Grenadier

The Gleaners

A contemplative blend of jazz textures and emotive melodies that reflect on loss and connection.

Start here

Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960

Thelonious Monk

Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960

Start here