The Best Jazz Music of 2015
Contents
A look at the best Jazz music of 2015. From Miles Davis to John Coltrane, these are the albums that defined the genre this year.
Introduction
It’s been a great year for jazz, with a wide range of styles and approaches finding favor with critics and audiences alike. Whether you’re looking for straight-ahead swing, avant-garde experimentation, or something in between, there’s an abundance of excellent releases to choose from. Here are nine of the best jazz albums of 2015, as selected by the editors of JazzTimes.
The Best Jazz Albums of 2015
It’s been an excellent year for jazz music, with a wide variety of sounds and styles represented in the releases of 2015. We’ve selected nine of the best albums from the past year, each of which showcase a different side of the genre. From traditional swing to avant-garde experimentation, there’s something here for everyone.
‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ by Kendrick Lamar
To Pimp a Butterfly is the third studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 15, 2015, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album was recorded in studios throughout the United States, with production from Top Dawg in-house producers Sounwave, Terrace Martin and Thundercat, as well as participants includingPharrell Williams and Knxwledge.
Lyrically, the album is “unapologetically black” and focuses on institutional racism and police brutality within the United States. To Pimp a Butterfly debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its musical scope and Lamar’s verses. It was ranked as the best album of 2015 by many publications, including Billboard, The Guardian, Pitchfork Media, Spin and Rolling Stone. It won Best Rap Album at the 58th Grammy Awards.
‘The Epic’ by Kamasi Washington
If you’re looking for an album that will take you on a journey, look no further than Kamasi Washington’s “The Epic.” At just over three hours long, it’s one of the most ambitious albums in recent memory, and it’s a masterpiece from start to finish. Washington is a master of blending different styles of jazz, and on “The Epic” he incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop, and classical music into his already expansive sound. The result is an album that is both timeless and timely, and it’s one of the best jazz albums of 2015.
‘You’re Under Arrest’ by Miles Davis
One of the most prolific and influential figures in jazz history, Miles Davis recorded several essential albums throughout his career. But it was his 1985 release, You’re Under Arrest, that helped cement his legacy as one of the genre’s all-time greats.
A departure from his previous work in terms of both style and substance, You’re Under Arrest found Davis exploring a more synthesizer-driven sound. The result was an album that was equal parts experimental and accessible, and which featured some of the trumpeter’s most memorable performances.
While it may not be considered one of Davis’ classic albums, You’re Under Arrest is nonetheless an essential part of his discography, and a must-listen for any fan of jazz.
The Best Jazz Songs of 2015
‘So What’ by Miles Davis
Miles Davis’ “So What” is a legendary jazz tune that was released in 1959 on his album Kind of Blue. The song is considered one of the best jazz songs of all time, and it is often played by jazz musicians today. “So What” has a simple and catchy melody that is easy to remember, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to. The song is also known for its use of the blue note, which gives the tune its characteristic bluesy sound.
‘A Love Supreme’ by John Coltrane
This track, which is off of the album A Love Supreme, is one of the best jazz songs of 2015. It was released in 1965 and was recorded in one take. It is a suite in four parts, and it is considered to be one of Coltrane’s greatest works.
‘Mister Magic’ by Grover Washington Jr.
One of the defining tracks of smooth jazz, “Mister Magic” by Grover Washington Jr. topped the Billboard Jazz chart for an impressive nine weeks in 1974-’75. The song set the standard for the sound of Washington’s saxophone, which would become synonymous with the genre. It also features one of the most iconic opening sax licks in pop music history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best jazz music of 2015 was a great year for jazz lovers. There were many different styles and genres represented. From traditional to contemporary, there was something for everyone. We hope you enjoyed our list and that you’ll check out some of these great artists in the future.
