The albums that define
crossover jazz.
Our picks for where to start with crossover jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top crossover jazz artists
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The crossover jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Spyro Gyra
Breakout
A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and pop sensibilities, rich with infectious grooves and melodic sophistication.
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Spyro Gyra
Wrapped in a Dream
A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and fusion, effortlessly weaving melodic lines with rhythmic complexity.
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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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Larry Carlton
Larry Carlton
'Larry Carlton' encapsulates his artistry, blending jazz and blues in a way that feels both accessible and deeply engaging. It serves as a showcase for his guitar skills while introducing the listener to the emotive qualities of his music.
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Boney James
Shine
A smooth blend of contemporary jazz and soulful melodies, inviting listeners into a lush sonic landscape.
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Boney James
Trust
Smooth saxophone melodies intertwine with rich harmonic textures, creating a lush landscape for contemporary jazz exploration.
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Jeff Lorber
Galaxy
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Jeff Lorber
Galaxian
A vibrant fusion of jazz and electronic elements that transports listeners through cosmic soundscapes and rhythmic explorations.
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Warren Vaché
2gether
A sophisticated blend of traditional jazz standards and contemporary interpretations, showcasing rich melodies and intricate harmonies.
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Warren Vaché
Talk to Me Baby
A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and intricate improvisation that invites listeners into a world of melodic exploration.
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Herb Alpert
Christmas Album
Bright brass and lush arrangements create a festive soundscape that reimagines holiday classics with a jazzy flair.
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Herb Alpert
North on South St.
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Jamie Cullum
Catching Tales
A vibrant blend of jazz-inflected pop and swing, showcasing Cullum's charismatic vocals and inventive arrangements.
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Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum - Interlude
A vibrant collection of jazz standards infused with Cullum's playful style and emotional depth, bridging classic and contemporary sounds.
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Clark Terry
Memories of Duke
A vibrant homage blending intricate trumpet melodies and lush arrangements, capturing the essence of classic jazz standards.
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Clark Terry
The Happy Horns of Clark Terry
A jubilant blend of swinging rhythms and vibrant horn arrangements showcases Clark Terry's playful virtuosity and deep jazz roots.
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Roger Cicero
Männersachen
A vibrant blend of jazz and pop, infused with playful lyrics that explore modern masculinity and relationships.
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Catherine Russell
Alone Together
A lush blend of jazz standards and original compositions featuring rich vocals, swinging rhythms, and soulful interpretations.
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Catherine Russell
Harlem on My Mind
A lush blend of timeless jazz standards wrapped in warm, soulful vocals that evoke the vibrant spirit of Harlem.
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Ronnie Laws
Friends & Strangers
A smooth blend of jazz and soul, where vibrant instrumentation meets heartfelt melodies in an engaging sonic journey.
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Ronnie Laws
Pressure Sensitive
A vibrant blend of jazz, soul, and funk with lush instrumentation and smooth melodies that invite deep emotional connection.
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Joy Denalane
The Dresden Soul Symphony
A lush orchestral tribute blending classic soul with contemporary jazz, showcasing powerful vocals and emotive arrangements.
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Joy Denalane
Gleisdreieck
A lush fusion of jazz and soul, with intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics that evoke deep emotional resonance.
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Stefanie Heinzmann
All We Need Is Love
Joyful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, blending pop sensibilities and jazz influences into a vibrant celebration of love.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where crossover jazz landed in each era.