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.
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
The Nearness of You
A lush blend of modern jazz harmonies with intimate, soulful piano interpretations that evoke deep emotion.
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Red Garland
Red in Bluesville
A vibrant blend of swinging rhythms and bluesy improvisation, underscored by Garland's distinctive piano style.
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Red Garland
All Mornin' Long
A vibrant blend of intricate piano lines and swinging rhythms that evoke the essence of modern jazz.
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Red Garland
All Kinds of Weather
A lush tapestry of modern jazz interwoven with evocative themes of nature's cycles and moods.
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Red Garland
Red Garland's Piano
A lush tapestry of modern jazz, where Red Garland's piano dances gracefully over subtle rhythms and rich harmonies.
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David Murray
Low Class Conspiracy
A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde jazz infused with world music rhythms and deep improvisational explorations.
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David Murray
Children
A vibrant fusion of modern jazz and world influences, exploring complex rhythms and emotive improvisation.
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David Murray
Plays Nat King Cole en Español
A vibrant fusion of jazz and Latin rhythms that breathes new life into classic Nat King Cole melodies.
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David Murray
Gwotet
A vibrant fusion of jazz and traditional African rhythms, rich with improvisational flair and cultural depth.
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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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David Murray
Murray's Steps
A vibrant blend of intricate jazz improvisation and world music influences that invites deep listening.
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David Murray
Jug-A-Lug
A dynamic fusion of avant-garde jazz and world rhythms that challenge conventional structures.
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David Murray
Deep River
A vibrant fusion of modern jazz and world music that pulses with rhythmic energy and emotive depth.
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David Murray
Death of a Sideman
A vibrant tapestry of modern jazz infused with world rhythms, showcasing improvisation and emotional depth.
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David Murray
David Murray Big Band
Dynamic orchestration meets bold improvisation, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that reflects deep jazz traditions.
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David Murray
Live at the Lower Manhattan Ocean Club
Exploratory improvisations blend modern jazz harmonies with world music rhythms, creating an immersive live experience.
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David Murray
Creole
A vibrant fusion of jazz and Caribbean rhythms, evoking the lush spirit of Guadeloupe.
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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
A Sanctuary Within
A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and world music influences that evokes deep spiritual introspection.
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David Murray
South of the Border
A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and global rhythms creating an evocative soundscape.
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David Murray
Ballads
A vibrant blend of modern jazz and world music, rich with emotional depth and intricate melodies.
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David Murray
In Our Style
A vibrant tapestry of jazz and world music influences, weaving intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity.
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David Murray
Sacred Ground
Innovative jazz textures weave through rich melodies, capturing the essence of world influences and improvisational flair.
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