Essential progressive jazz listening

The albums that define progressive jazz.

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

The progressive jazz essentials

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

Extensions

McCoy Tyner

Extensions

A rich tapestry of jazz inflected with global rhythms and intricate improvisations that push sonic boundaries.

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Inception

McCoy Tyner

Inception

A rich tapestry of intricate harmonies and dynamic rhythms, merging post-bop with ethereal textures.

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Have a Little Faith

Bill Frisell

Have a Little Faith

A tapestry of jazz-inflected narratives woven with a blend of Americana and intimate guitar work.

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Where in the World?

Bill Frisell

Where in the World?

Lush guitar tones intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a sonic landscape that is both contemplative and adventurous.

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Richter 858

Bill Frisell

Richter 858

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with minimalist melodies, creating a contemplative and immersive auditory experience.

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Blues Dream

Bill Frisell

Blues Dream

A serene blend of jazz textures and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a dreamlike quality.

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All We Are Saying

Bill Frisell

All We Are Saying

Frisell's guitar weaves a tapestry of familiar melodies through an ethereal jazz landscape, inviting introspection and nostalgia.

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Floratone II

Bill Frisell

Floratone II

A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jazz intertwined with eclectic soundscapes and intricate melodic threads.

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Lágrimas Mexicanas

Bill Frisell

Lágrimas Mexicanas

A vibrant tapestry of jazz-inflected melodies woven through Latin rhythms and emotive guitar work.

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Guitar in the Space Age!

Bill Frisell

Guitar in the Space Age!

A vibrant exploration of surf rock and jazz, intertwining nostalgic melodies with innovative guitar textures.

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Silent Comedy

Bill Frisell

Silent Comedy

A contemplative blend of jazz and Americana, where intricate melodies weave through spacious soundscapes.

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Lookout for Hope

Bill Frisell

Lookout for Hope

A serene blend of jazz-inflected melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of quiet introspection.

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Before We Were Born

Bill Frisell

Before We Were Born

A reflective journey through jazz, blending serene melodies with experimental textures and evocative storytelling.

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East/West

Bill Frisell

East/West

A tapestry of jazz-infused storytelling woven through intricate melodies and deep emotional resonance.

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Floratone

Bill Frisell

Floratone

A vibrant fusion of jazz textures and experimental sounds, creating an atmospheric soundscape that invites introspection.

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In Line

Bill Frisell

In Line

A meditative blend of jazz textures and evocative melodies, intertwining intricate guitar work with subtle rhythmic shifts.

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History, Mystery

Bill Frisell

History, Mystery

A contemplative soundscape where jazz improvisation intertwines with fragments of melody and atmospheric textures.

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Deep Dead Blue

Bill Frisell

Deep Dead Blue

An evocative blend of jazz textures and emotive melodies that explore themes of longing and introspection.

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Ghost Town

Bill Frisell

Ghost Town

A reflective journey through Americana, blending jazz improvisation with haunting melodies and rich emotional depth.

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Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian

Bill Frisell

Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian

A contemplative blend of jazz textures, showcasing intricate interplay between guitar, bass, and drums.

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Good Dog, Happy Man

Bill Frisell

Good Dog, Happy Man

A serene blend of jazz, folk, and Americana, infused with Frisell's signature atmospheric guitar textures.

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Disfarmer

Bill Frisell

Disfarmer

A hauntingly evocative exploration of Americana through minimalist jazz and atmospheric soundscapes.

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When You Wish Upon a Star

Bill Frisell

When You Wish Upon a Star

Bill Frisell's haunting guitar weaves cinematic soundscapes that evoke nostalgia and introspection.

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Is That You?

Bill Frisell

Is That You?

A melodic tapestry of jazz, weaving intricate guitar lines with rich harmonic textures and subtle rhythmic shifts.

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