January Jazz Music Picks

Looking for something to help get your groove on in the new year? Check out our January jazz music picks! From soulful crooners to upbeat big bands, we’ve got something for everyone.

Best Jazz Albums of 2020

In a year defined by struggle and strife, music provided both much-needed escapism and a way to process the events of 2020. From Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Good News,” these were our favorite albums of the year.

And while some might say that 2020 was a down year for music, we beg to differ. In particular, the jazz world saw a wealth of great releases, from established masters like Chick Corea and Dave Holland to up-and-comers like Cory Wong and Matthew Whitaker.

Here are our picks for the best jazz albums of 2020.

Best Jazz Songs of 2020

It’s a new year and that means it’s time to reflect on the best music of 2020. While there were many great songs released this year, these are our picks for the best jazz songs of 2020.

1. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” by Nina Simone
2. “So What” by Miles Davis
3. “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane
4. “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck
5. “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk
6. “All Blues” by Miles Davis
7. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
8. “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole
9. “Summertime” by George Gershwin
10. “A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 – Acknowledgement” by John Coltrane

Best Jazz Pianists of 2020

The piano is one of the most commonly used and versatile instruments in jazz music. Its popularity means that there are many different pianists to choose from, each with their own unique sound and style.

With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of the best jazz pianists of 2020.

1. Robert Glasper – Glasper is a multiple Grammy Award-winning artist who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar and Herbie Hancock. His latest album, “Covered,” features interpretations of tracks by everyone from Stevie Wonder to Radiohead.

2. McCoy Tyner – A legendary figure in jazz, Tyner is best known for his work with John Coltrane’s classic quartet. His solo work is also highly regarded, and he has released over 30 albums as a leader.

3. Bill Charlap – Charlap is one of the foremost interpreters of The Great American Songbook, and has collaborated with everyone from Tony Bennett to Barbra Streisand. His most recent album, “Uptown, Downtown,” was released in 2016 to critical acclaim.

4. Chick Corea – A true giant of jazz, Corea has been responsible for some of the genre’s most groundbreaking moments, both as a solo artist and as a member of groups like Return to Forever and Miles Davis’ second great quintet. He remains an active and prolific musician today, with over 80 albums to his name.

5. Brad Mehldau – Mehldau is widely regarded as one of the most important piano talents of his generation, and has released over 20 albums as a leader since 1995. His style incorporates influences from classical music, rock, and pop into his already distinctive sound.

Best Jazz Trumpeters of 2020

The best jazz trumpeters of 2020 are a varied group, including both up-and-comers and established legends. From smooth and soulful to innovative and experimental, these artists are keeping the spirit of jazz alive and well.

So who made our list of the best jazz trumpeters of 2020? Read on to find out.

Best Jazz Trombonists of 2020

While some may say that the trombone isbeginning to sound a bit dated in today’s musical landscape, we believe that there are still plenty of artists out there who know how to give the instrument new life. Here are our picks for the best jazz trombonists of 2020.

1. Karen Expectant
2. Michael Fleming
3. Ryan Keberle
4. Sam Gaillard
5. Steve Davis

Best Jazz Saxophonists of 2020

There are many great jazz saxophonists out there, but 2020 was especially impressive. Here are some of our favorites:

-Kamasi Washington
-Travis Scott
-Bob Dylan
-John Coltrane
-Miles Davis
-Cannonball Adderley

Best Jazz Guitarists of 2020

Here are 9 of the best jazz guitarists releasing new music in 2020.

1. John Pizzarelli
2. Bucky Pizzarelli
3. Bill Frisell
4. Ben Monder
5. Lionel Loueke
6. Peter Bernstein
7. Larry Coryell
8. John Scofield
9. Pat Metheny

Best Jazz Bassists of 2020

There are many great jazz bassists out there, but here are our picks for the best of 2020.

1. Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding is a highly talented and versatile musician who has made a name for herself as one of the best bassists in the world. She is able to switch effortlessly between different styles of music, and her skills on the bass are second to none.

2. Stanley Clarke

Stanley Clarke is a true legend of the jazz world, and he has been playing the bass for more than four decades. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, and his playing style has influenced countless other bassists.

3. Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius was a true pioneer of the electric bass guitar, and his innovations changed the way that people thought about the instrument forever. He was an extremely talented player, and his style was unmatched by anyone else at the time.

Best Jazz Drummers of 2020

There were some amazing jazz drummers active in 2020, and it was tough to narrow it down to just a few names. Here are some of the best jazz drummers of 2020, in no particular order.

Joel Ross
Joel Ross is a young drummer who is making a big splash on the jazz scene. He has an amazing technique and a great feel for the music. His playing is exciting and fresh, and he has already worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including saxophonist Joshua Redman.

Ari Hoenig
Ari Hoenig is an exciting and innovative drummer who has been on the scene for many years. He has released several solo albums, and his playing is always inventive and intriguing. He is also a master of using odd time signatures, which gives his playing a unique edge.

Jeff “Tain” Watts
Jeff “Tain” Watts is one of the most technically gifted drummers in jazz. He has an incredible feel for the music, and hissolos are always exciting to listen to. He has played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis and Bobby McFerrin.

Best Jazz Vocalists of 2020

The year 2020 was tough on a lot of people, but there were still some bright spots. One bright spot was the amazing crop of jazz vocalists who released albums last year. Here are some of the best jazz vocalists of 2020.

Amber Cumming released her debut album “Dreams” in 2020. The album is a mix of original songs and standards, and Amber’s voice is beautiful and expressive.

Diana Krall released her album “This Dream of You” in September 2020. The album is a collection of American songs, and Diana’s renditions are both intimate and inventive.

Sammy Davis Jr.’s grandson, Aaron Davis, released his debut album “Introducing Aaron Davis” in 2020. The album is a mix of originals and standards, and Aaron’s rich baritone voice is a joy to listen to.

Singer-songwriter Barbara Morrison released her album “Jazz for Lovers” in 2020. The album features Barbara’s interpretations of well-known love songs, and her voice is warm and inviting.