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.
Top progressive jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The progressive jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
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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Bill Frisell
Ghost Town
A reflective journey through Americana, blending jazz improvisation with haunting melodies and rich emotional depth.
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Queen Latifah
Nature of a Sista'
A vibrant blend of hip-hop beats and soulful melodies that showcases Queen Latifah's powerful vocal delivery and lyrical prowess.
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Queen Latifah
Black Reign
A bold fusion of hip-hop bravado and soulful melodies, showcasing Queen Latifah's lyrical prowess and vocal range.
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Stan Kenton
Duet
A lush blend of orchestral jazz and vocal elegance, capturing the essence of mid-century romanticism.
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Stan Kenton
The Romantic Approach
A lush orchestral landscape intertwines with smooth jazz melodies, evoking romance and nostalgia.
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McCoy Tyner
Song of the New World
A vibrant tapestry of jazz infused with global rhythms and soulful melodies that transcend cultural boundaries.
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McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner Plays Ellington
A vibrant homage to Duke Ellington, blending intricate piano lines with rich rhythmic textures.
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Vijay Iyer
Wiring
A dynamic interplay of intricate rhythms and emotive melodies that challenge conventional jazz forms.
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Vijay Iyer
Uneasy
A daring fusion of intricate rhythms and evocative melodies reflecting contemporary social themes.
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Robert Glasper
Everything's Beautiful
A seamless blend of jazz and hip-hop that radiates warmth and introspection throughout its grooves.
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Robert Glasper
Dinner Party (EP)
A vibrant blend of jazz and R&B, where soulful melodies meet intricate harmonies.
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Pete Rugolo
An Adventure in Sound: Brass in Hi-Fi
A vibrant blend of brass instrumentation and orchestral arrangements that push jazz into innovative territories.
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Pete Rugolo
Adventures in Rhythm
A vibrant fusion of jazz textures and rhythmic exploration that showcases innovative arrangements and lively improvisation.
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Oregon
Crossing
A mesmerizing blend of avant-garde jazz and world music, with ethereal melodies and intricate arrangements.
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Oregon
Out of the Woods
A seamless blend of jazz, world music, and avant-garde textures creates an ethereal sonic landscape.
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