The albums that define
modern creative.
Our picks for where to start with modern creative — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
The modern creative essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Gil Evans
Out of the Cool
A lush, orchestral blend of jazz textures and innovative arrangements that push the genre's boundaries.
Start here
Gil Evans
Live at the Public Theatre (New York 1980)
A vibrant tapestry of jazz improvisation featuring lush arrangements and intricate interplay among musicians.
Start here
Gil Evans
Svengali
A vibrant orchestration of jazz textures blending cool and free jazz into a cinematic soundscape.
Start here
Gil Evans
New Bottle Old Wine
A dynamic blend of orchestral textures and improvisational jazz that challenges traditional forms.
Start here
Gil Evans
Into the Hot
A vibrant blend of orchestral textures and adventurous improvisation that redefines jazz boundaries.
Start here
Gil Evans
Gil Evans & Ten
A rich tapestry of orchestral textures and intricate arrangements intertwining with improvisational brilliance.
Start here
Gil Evans
The Individualism of Gil Evans
Rich orchestral textures blend with innovative arrangements, pushing the boundaries of jazz into new realms of creativity.
Start here
Gil Evans
Paris Blues
A lush tapestry of orchestral jazz, blending evocative melodies with intricate harmonies and rhythms.
Start here
Gil Evans
Anti-Heroes
A lush tapestry of orchestral textures and improvisation intertwines with the intricate rhythms of jazz.
Start here
Gil Evans
Great Jazz Standards
Innovative orchestral arrangements breathe new life into jazz standards with lush harmonies and intricate textures.
Start here
Gil Evans
Heroes
A lush tapestry of orchestral textures meets improvisational brilliance, creating a rich jazz experience.
Start here
Ingrid Laubrock
Strong Place
A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde jazz, intertwining complex rhythms with lyrical melodies that evoke deep emotional responses.
Start here
Ingrid Laubrock
Ubatuba
A labyrinthine exploration of sound where avant-garde jazz meets hypnotic rhythms and intricate melodies.
Start here
Ingrid Laubrock
Roulette of the Cradle
A daring fusion of avant-garde jazz and modern composition, challenging conventions while inviting deep listening.
Start here
Alan Silva
Luna Surface
A sprawling exploration of sound where dissonance and harmony intertwine in an expansive jazz landscape.
Start here
Alan Silva
Seasons
An avant-garde tapestry of free jazz, weaving intricate improvisations with expansive sonic landscapes.
Start here
Alan Silva
H.Con.Res.57/Treasure Box
A sprawling exploration of improvisation, weaving together avant-garde textures and intricate sonic landscapes.
Start here
Alan Silva
Take Some Risks
A sprawling exploration of improvisation, merging avant-garde jazz with experimental soundscapes and unpredictable rhythms.
Start here
Jim Black
Dogs of Great Indifference
A dense tapestry of avant-garde jazz textures interwoven with intricate rhythms and improvisational flair.
Start here
Tom Rainey
Float Upstream
Start here
Tom Rainey
Obbligato
Start here
Bobo Stenson
Goodbye
A contemplative blend of jazz improvisation and lyrical melodies that evoke a sense of wistfulness.
Start here
Bobo Stenson
War Orphans
A rich tapestry of improvisational jazz textures blending introspective melodies with rhythmic complexity.
Start here
Bobo Stenson
Contra la Indecisión
A meditative blend of free improvisation and jazz that evokes introspection and emotional depth.
Start here