The albums that define
contemporary jazz.
Our picks for where to start with contemporary jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top contemporary jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The contemporary jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
John Abercrombie
Arcade
Intricate guitar melodies weave through ambient soundscapes, showcasing fluid improvisation and rich harmonic textures.
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Larry Carlton
Take Your Pick
A vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and blues, enriched with intricate guitar work and evocative melodies.
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Hiromi Uehara
Spiral
A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, where jazz spontaneity meets classical influences.
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Hiromi Uehara
Voice
A vibrant fusion of avant-garde jazz and classical elements creating a dynamic, emotive listening experience.
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Hiromi Uehara
Place to Be
A vibrant blend of avant-garde jazz and contemporary influences, showcasing intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity.
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Dave Grusin
The Gershwin Connection
An elegant fusion of jazz and orchestral arrangements celebrating the timeless compositions of George Gershwin.
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Hiromi Uehara
Another Mind
A dazzling fusion of virtuosic piano and intricate rhythms that defy genre boundaries.
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John Abercrombie
Getting There
Intimate guitar melodies weave through intricate rhythms, creating a lush tapestry of contemporary jazz and fusion.
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John Abercrombie
Open Land
A serene blend of intricate melodies and improvisational depth, showcasing Abercrombie's lyrical guitar artistry.
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John Abercrombie
Solar
A lush interplay of intricate guitar work and fluid rhythms, blending contemporary jazz with a touch of fusion elegance.
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John Abercrombie
While We're Young
A delicate interplay of melodic improvisation and rhythmic complexity that defines contemporary jazz.
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John Abercrombie
Sargasso Sea
A fluid interplay of guitar and piano creates a serene yet intricate jazz landscape.
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John Abercrombie
Speak of the Devil
A contemplative blend of intricate melodies and atmospheric improvisation that defines Abercrombie's jazz landscape.
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John Abercrombie
Animato
A sublime blend of intricate melodies and harmonies that dance atop a foundation of jazz fusion rhythms.
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John Abercrombie
November
A serene blend of intricate guitar melodies and subtle rhythmic interplay that defines contemporary jazz.
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John Abercrombie
Characters
A contemplative blend of intricate melodies and expansive improvisation that showcases Abercrombie's guitar mastery.
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John Abercrombie
39 Steps
A contemplative blend of jazz fusion and improvisation that showcases intricate melodies and rich harmonic textures.
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John Abercrombie
Witchcraft (John Abercrombie album)
A lush tapestry of contemporary jazz, weaving intricate guitar melodies with rich harmonies and atmospheric textures.
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John Abercrombie
Within a Song
A contemplative blend of jazz intricacies and emotive guitar melodies that invite deep introspection.
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John Abercrombie
Tactics
A blend of intricate melodies and improvisational depth that showcases Abercrombie's signature guitar work.
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John Abercrombie
The Third Quartet
An intricate blend of atmospheric soundscapes and fluid improvisation that showcases Abercrombie's lyrical guitar work.
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John Abercrombie
Timeless
A serene blend of intricate guitar melodies and lush harmonies that evokes deep emotional landscapes.
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John Abercrombie
Emerald City
A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and dynamic improvisations that redefine contemporary jazz.
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John Abercrombie
Wait Till You See Her
A reflective blend of contemporary jazz textures characterized by intricate melodies and fluid improvisation.
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