The best Soul Jazz albums
of the 1960s.
Where to start with 1960–1969 soul jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1960s — soul jazz
Top picks from 1960–1969, ranked by where we would start.
Lou Donaldson
Lou Donaldson at His Best
A vibrant blend of bebop and soul jazz infused with infectious grooves and melodic improvisations.
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Lou Donaldson
Blowing in the Wind
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and bebop, intertwining playful melodies with deep, rhythmic grooves.
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Les McCann
Much Les
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and rhythm and blues that captures the essence of late 1960s musical experimentation.
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Les McCann
Jazz Waltz
A vibrant blend of jazz and rhythm and blues, featuring intricate melodies and dynamic harmonies across a variety of tempos.
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Lonnie Smith
Think!
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Pat Martino
El Hombre
A vibrant blend of complex harmonies and intricate guitar work, showcasing a unique fusion of jazz styles.
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Pat Martino
Baiyina
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and experimental improvisation, rich with intricate guitar lines and lush harmonies.
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Jimmy McGriff
Blues for Mister Jimmy
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and hard bop, featuring infectious grooves and emotive melodies that celebrate the blues tradition.
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Jimmy McGriff
I've Got a Woman
A vibrant fusion of hard bop and soul jazz, driven by dynamic rhythms and expressive organ melodies.
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Johnny "Hammond" Smith
The Stinger
A vibrant fusion of soul and jazz, where infectious grooves meet emotive melodies played on the organ.
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Nat Adderley
Naturally!
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul jazz, infused with rich melodies and intricate rhythms that invite deep listening.
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Johnny "Hammond" Smith
Gettin' the Message
Soulful organ grooves intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of jazz that invites deep listening.
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Nat Adderley
Little Big Horn
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul jazz, where smooth melodies intertwine with rhythmic grooves and emotive brass.
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