The albums that define
modern jazz.
Our picks for where to start with modern jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
The modern jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
David Murray
Flowers for Albert: The Complete Concert
A sprawling exploration of jazz that intertwines intricate improvisation with deep emotional resonance.
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David Murray
David Murray/James Newton Quintet
A seamless blend of avant-garde jazz and world music, rich with improvisational depth and cultural resonance.
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Red Garland
Red Garland Revisited!
A vibrant blend of classic jazz standards and modern improvisation wrapped in Red Garland's signature piano style.
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Red Garland
Soul Junction
A lush tapestry of modern jazz, blending intricate piano melodies with vibrant rhythmic interplay.
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Hal McKusick
Triple Exposure
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