Essential 2010s post-bop

The best Post-Bop albums of the 2010s.

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

Top of the 2010s — post-bop

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

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.

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Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album

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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Blue World

John Coltrane

Blue World

A collection of exploratory improvisations that breathe new life into classic Coltrane compositions with a meditative yet vibrant energy.

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Hot House

Chick Corea

Hot House

A vibrant tapestry of jazz standards interwoven with Corea's signature avant-garde touches and intricate improvisations.

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The Vigil

Chick Corea

The Vigil

A cosmic journey through intricate melodies and improvisational interplay, blending avant-garde jazz with spiritual undertones.

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Conversations with Christian

Christian McBride

Conversations with Christian

A vibrant tapestry of jazz fusion, blending intricate bass lines with rich improvisational dialogues and soulful melodies.

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Ballades

Ahmad Jamal

Ballades

A contemplative blend of intricate melodies and lush harmonies, showcasing Jamal's signature piano style across diverse compositions.

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When You Wish Upon a Star

Bill Frisell

When You Wish Upon a Star

A reflective tapestry of cinematic melodies, blending jazz improvisation with Americana influences across evocative soundscapes.

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Harmony

Bill Frisell

Harmony

A serene blend of lush melodies and contemplative improvisation that exemplifies Frisell's unique voice in contemporary jazz.

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Take Your Pick

Larry Carlton

Take Your Pick

A smooth blend of jazz-infused melodies and intricate guitar work creates an inviting sonic landscape.

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Kenny Barron & the Brazilian Knights

Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron & the Brazilian Knights

A vibrant fusion of contemporary jazz with Brazilian rhythms, showcasing intricate melodies and expressive improvisation.

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Panamericana Suite

Paquito D'Rivera

Panamericana Suite

A vibrant blend of jazz and Latin rhythms that invites listeners on a melodic journey through diverse cultural landscapes.

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Trio Tapestry

Joe Lovano

Trio Tapestry

A rich tapestry of post-bop intricacies woven with vibrant melodies and spontaneous improvisations.

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Dreamweaver

George Duke

Dreamweaver

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and experimental rock that showcases George Duke's virtuosic musicianship and creative vision.

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Chip Tooth Smile

Rob Thomas

Chip Tooth Smile

A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks layered over a mix of rock and pop influences.

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Voice

Hiromi Uehara

Voice

Innovative jazz compositions intertwine virtuosic piano riffs with intricate rhythms, creating a captivating auditory landscape.

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Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny

Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny

A vibrant blend of intricate guitar melodies and dynamic trumpet lines, weaving through a tapestry of jazz and world music influences.

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What's It All About

Pat Metheny

What's It All About

A reflective guitar-driven journey through timeless classics, blending jazz sensibilities with emotional depth and intricate melodies.

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Spectrum

Hiromi Uehara

Spectrum

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The Great Unknown

Rob Thomas

The Great Unknown

An introspective blend of alternative rock and melodic pop, featuring heartfelt lyrics and polished production.

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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.

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Emanon

Wayne Shorter

Emanon

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

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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.

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Come What May

Joshua Redman

Come What May

A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Redman's signature saxophone prowess amidst dynamic jazz interplay.

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