The best Free Jazz albums
of the 2010s.
Where to start with 2010–2019 free jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 2010s — free jazz
Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.
John Coltrane
Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album
Exploratory and spontaneous, this album captures Coltrane's fearless improvisation in a lush sonic landscape of modal jazz.
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Sun Ra
Thunder of the Gods
Cosmic soundscapes intertwine with frenetic rhythms, creating an otherworldly experience that defies conventional musical boundaries.
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Jack DeJohnette
Sound Travels
A meditative fusion of free jazz and new age textures, blending improvisation with rhythmic exploration.
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Jack DeJohnette
In Movement
In Movement highlights Jack DeJohnette's innovative rhythmic structures and fluidity in jazz. It balances complexity with accessibility, making it for first-time listeners who want to understand his unique sound.
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William Parker
Uncle Joe's Spirit House
A vibrant tapestry of free jazz improvisation weaving together intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations that pulse with life.
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Chris Potter
The Sirens
A fluid blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration, showcasing the expansive artistry of modern jazz.
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Tom Harrell
Roman Nights
A seamless blend of intricate melodies and improvisational freedom, inviting listeners into a captivating soundscape of jazz exploration.
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Mats Gustafsson
Cuts
This album perfectly encapsulates Gustafsson's style with its dynamic contrasts and engaging compositions. It provides a comprehensive overview of his approach to sound, allowing listeners to grasp the essence of his artistry without being overwhelmed.
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Chris Potter
Imaginary Cities
Imaginary Cities showcases Potter's technical mastery and knack for storytelling through music, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. Its blend of rhythm and emotion invites listeners to dive deeper into his style.
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Art Ensemble of Chicago
Early Combinations
A sprawling exploration of sound, where improvisation and avant-garde structures intertwine in a vibrant tapestry of free jazz.
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Evan Parker
Rex, Wrecks & XXX
A sprawling exploration of sound where dissonance meets intricate improvisation, creating a labyrinthine auditory experience.
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Neneh Cherry
The Cherry Thing
A vibrant blend of alternative hip-hop and free jazz, infused with a playful yet introspective spirit.
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Tom Harrell
Colors of a Dream
A vibrant tapestry of free jazz woven with intricate melodies and rhythmic explorations that invite deep listening.
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Evan Parker
Either Or And
A labyrinth of intricate improvisation unfolds, blending ethereal textures with dynamic rhythms in a captivating exploration of sound.
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Paul Motian
The Windmills of Your Mind
A contemplative exploration of jazz standards where intricate rhythms intermingle with atmospheric textures and soft melodic lines.
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Neneh Cherry
Blank Project
A daring blend of eclectic beats and haunting melodies, underscored by Neneh Cherry's distinctive vocal delivery.
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Muhal Richard Abrams
SoundDance
A kaleidoscopic exploration of sound where improvisation and structure intertwine, creating an auditory landscape that challenges perception.
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Charlie Haden
Sophisticated Ladies
A lush tapestry of jazz standards, weaving intricate melodies with heartfelt interpretations and Haden's signature bass stylings.
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Charlie Haden
Time/Life
A meditative exploration of soundscapes, where silence and intricate melodies intertwine within an avant-garde jazz framework.
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Captain Beefheart
Bat Chain Puller
A surreal blend of avant-garde rock and blues, twisting through bizarre narratives and unpredictable rhythms.
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Ravi Coltrane
Spirit Fiction
A fusion of free jazz improvisation and structured melodies that evokes a sense of fluidity and exploration.
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Kahil El'Zabar
Follow the Sun
A meditative blend of free jazz and spiritual grooves that invites listeners on a reflective sonic journey.
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Kahil El'Zabar
What It Is!
A vibrant tapestry of free jazz intertwining intricate rhythms, emotive melodies, and spiritual improvisation.
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Gary Peacock
Tangents
A tapestry of avant-garde improvisation intertwines with meditative rhythms, crafting an atmosphere that is both serene and dynamic.
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