Essential post-bop listening

The albums that define post-bop.

Our picks for where to start with post-bop — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The post-bop essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Wheelin' & Dealin'

John Coltrane

Wheelin' & Dealin'

A vibrant blend of hard bop and modal jazz, showcasing intricate improvisation over dynamic rhythms.

Start here

The Cats

John Coltrane

The Cats

Exploratory harmonies intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures Coltrane's innovative spirit.

Start here

Newport Rebels

Charles Mingus

Newport Rebels

A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde and blues-infused jazz that challenges conventions while embracing emotional depth.

Start here

Mingus Three

Charles Mingus

Mingus Three

A vibrant tapestry of intricate rhythms and emotive melodies, Mingus Three captures the essence of jazz innovation in the late 1950s.

Start here

Butterfly

Herbie Hancock

Butterfly

A seamless blend of jazz-funk grooves and ethereal melodies that encapsulate the spirit of late '70s musical experimentation.

Start here

Sound-System

Herbie Hancock

Sound-System

An adventurous blend of electro-funk and jazz rhythms, pushing the boundaries of sound through innovative synth textures.

Start here

The Ultimate Adventure

Chick Corea

The Ultimate Adventure

A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde jazz, blending intricate melodies with dynamic improvisation and eclectic rhythms.

Start here

Three Quartets

Chick Corea

Three Quartets

A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, blending classical influences with jazz improvisation.

Start here

Blows for LP

Sonny Rollins

Blows for LP

A dynamic interplay of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the vibrant energy of post-bop jazz.

Start here

The Way I Feel

Sonny Rollins

The Way I Feel

A vibrant blend of post-bop jazz that showcases melodic improvisation over rhythmic grooves.

Start here

Adjacent sounds