The Best Jazz Music of 2017

Here are the best jazz albums of 2017, as chosen by the editors of JazzTimes.

The Best Jazz Music of 2017: A Year in Review

2017 was a great year for jazz music, with a wide variety of artists releasing exciting and innovative new albums. Fromestablished masters like Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea to rising stars like Cecile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter, there was something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best jazz albums of 2017, highlighting a few of our favorites. We’ll also touch on some of the biggest news stories and trends in the world of jazz this past year.

So without further ado, here are the best jazz albums of 2017!

The Best Jazz Albums of 2017

It was a great year for jazz music, with a wide range of talented artists releasing some truly incredible albums. From established veterans to fresh new faces, there was something for everyone in 2017.

In no particular order, here are our picks for the best jazz albums of the year:

-DianeLESS by Tyshawn Sorey
-Postscript by Jaimie Branch
-The ECM Years: 1975-1984 by Keith Jarrett
-Forget the World by Joey Alexander
-Somethin’ Else by Cannonball Adderley

The Best Jazz Songs of 2017

There were some great jazz songs released in 2017. Here are a few of our favorites:

“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck Quartet
“So What” by Miles Davis
“All Blues” by Miles Davis
“Blue in Green” by Bill Evans
“My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane

The Best Jazz Performances of 2017

The past year has been a great one for jazz, with new and exciting releases from established and up-and-coming artists alike. Here are some of the best jazz performances of 2017.

Artist: Sean Jones
Album: Live at the Baked Potato
Song: “Color Blind”
Sean Jones is one of the most dynamic young trumpeters on the scene today, and his performance of “Color Blind” at the Baked Potato is a perfect example of his virtuosity. Jones expertly navigates the complicated harmonies of the tune, while also delivering some soulful and lyrical solos.

Artist: John Coltrane
Album: Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album
Song: “Untitled Original 11383 (Take 1)”
This previously unreleased recording from 1963 finds Coltrane at the height of his powers, leading a quartet that includes pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones. “Untitled Original 11383 (Take 1)” is a tour de force, with Coltrane’s searching improvisations taking the tune to places it had never been before.

Artist: Vijay Iyer Sextet
Album: Far From Over
Song: “Down to the Wire”
Pianist Vijay Iyer’s sextet is one of the most innovative and exciting groups in jazz today, and their performance of “Down to the Wire” at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival was no exception. Iyer’s composition is full of difficult changes and intricate interplay between the musicians, but they make it all sound effortless.

The Best Jazz Festivals of 2017

2017 was a great year for jazz fans, with plenty of great music to enjoy at festivals around the world. Here are our picks for the best jazz festivals of 2017:

1. The Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland)

One of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world, Montreux attracts top talent from all over the globe. This year’s lineup included everyone from Herbie Hancock to Brad Mehldau to Miles Davis’ protégé Gregory Porter.

2. The Newport Jazz Festival (USA)

The Newport Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running jazz festivals in America, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This year’s edition featured performances from heavyweights like Wayne Shorter and Wynton Marsalis, as well as up-and-comers like Jorja Smith and Sonia Sanchez.

3. The EFG London Jazz Festival (England)

The EFG London Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s premier jazz events, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. Highlights included sets from Kamasi Washington, Moses Boyd, and Makaya McCraven.

4. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (Australia)

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is quickly becoming one of the most important events on the global jazz calendar. This year saw performances from Cecil Taylor, Henry Threadgill, andButcher Brown, among many others.

The Best Jazz Clubs of 2017

If you’re a fan of jazz music, then you know that there’s nothing quite like seeing a live performance. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to catch a show. Here are our picks for the best jazz clubs of 2017.

The Blue Note

With locations in New York, Tokyo, and Milan, The Blue Note is one of the most well-known jazz clubs in the world. They boast an impressive lineup of both established and up-and-coming talent, so there’s always something new to check out.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola

Located in the heart of New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center complex, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola is one of the best places to experience jazz in all its forms. From big band to bebop and beyond, they offer something for every fan.

The Village Vanguard

This New York City institution has been showcasing some of the biggest names in jazz since 1935, making it one of the oldest clubs on this list. If you’re looking for a truly classic jazz experience, this is the place to go.

The Best Jazz Education Programs of 2017

The best jazz education programs of 2017 offer students the opportunity to learn from some of the most acclaimed musicians in the genre. These programs provide rigorous training in jazz performance and composition, as well as in music theory and history. Students in these programs have the chance to develop their skills through private lessons, ensemble performances, and master classes.

The Best Jazz Venues of 2017

No matter what your preferred jazz style is, there’s sure to be a venue on this list that suits your taste. These are the best jazz venues of 2017, according to our experts.

If you’re in the mood for some classic jazz, there’s no better place to go than the Blue Note in New York City. This legendary venue has hosted some of the genre’s greatest musicians over the years, and it continues to attract top talent today. If you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, check out The Vanguard in New York or The Green Mill in Chicago. These clubs feature cutting-edge musicians who are pushing the boundaries of jazz.

For a truly unique experience, head to Snug Harbor in New Orleans. This legendary venue is located in an old cemetery, and it has a atmosphere that’s unlike any other club in the world. If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, try The B-Side at Milo Butterfingers in Toronto. This cozy club is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some great music.

The Best Jazz Record Labels of 2017

Every year, thousands of new Jazz albums are released. It can be hard to find the good ones among all the noise. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Jazz record labels of 2017, so you can be sure you’re only listening to the best of the best.

1. Blue Note Records

Founded in 1939, Blue Note Records is one of the oldest and most respected Jazz labels in the world. They have released albums by some of the genre’s greatest legends, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. In recent years, they have continued to sign and release albums by some of today’s most talented Jazz musicians, such as Robert Glasper and Kendrick Scott.

2. Impulse! Records

Impulse! Records was founded in 1960 by legendary producer Creed Taylor. During its time, the label released some of the genre’s most groundbreaking albums, such as John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” and Albert Ayler’s “Spiritual Unity”. Today, Impulse! Records is run by Grammy-winning producer David Weiss, and continues to release excellent contemporary Jazz albums by artists such as Charles Lloyd and Ravi Coltrane.

3. ECM Records

ECM Records was founded in 1969 by German producer Manfred Eicher. Known for their beautiful packaging and innovative music, ECM has always been at the forefront of Jazz innovation. In recent years, they have continued to release excellent albums by modern masters such as Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau.

4. brownswood Recordings

Founded in 2006 by BBC DJ Gilles Peterson, brownswood Recordings is one of the newer labels on this list. Nevertheless, they have quickly established themselves as one of the premier destinations for quality Contemporary Jazz releases. They have released excellent albums by artists such as Ninja Tune founder Floating Points and UK saxophonist Nubya Garcia.

The Best Jazz Photographers of 2017

2017 was an incredible year for jazz photography, with a wealth of new talent and fresh perspectives on the genre emerging. In this roundup, we take a look at 10 of the best jazz photographers of 2017, chosen for their exceptional work in capturing the energy, passion and creativity of this ever-evolving music form.