The Best Modern Jazz Music of 2020

Check out our top picks for the best modern jazz music of 2020. From new releases to classic albums, these are the records that have been keeping us grooving all year long.

The best modern jazz albums of 2020

Jazz has undergone a major resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a new generation of artists taking the genre in exciting and unexpected directions. If you’re looking for the best modern jazz albums of 2020, you’ve come to the right place.

On this list, you’ll find a wide range of different styles of jazz, from intricate and experimental instrumental records to vocal-driven albums that explore the intersection of jazz and R&B. There’s something for everyone on this list, so dive in and start exploring the best jazz music of 2020.

-Kamasi Washington, “Heaven and Earth”
-Gogo Penguin, “A Humdrum Star”
-Makaya McCraven, “Universal Beings”
-Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, “Ancestral Recall”
– Makaya McCraven, “Highly Rare”
– Ambrose Akinmusire, “On the Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment”

The best modern jazz songs of 2020

Modern jazz is a type of music that evolved out of traditional jazz in the 1940s and 1950s. It is characterized by a complex, often experimental harmonic structure and an emphasis on individualism and improvisation.

While there is no one definitive style of modern jazz, some of the best modern jazz songs of 2020 include “Birdland” by Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, “Blackstar” by David Bowie, and “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane.

The best modern jazz musicians of 2020

While there are many great jazz musicians out there, these are some of the best of 2020.

-Trombone Shorty
-Snarky Puppy
-The Bad Plus
-Chick Corea
-Dianne Reeves

The best modern jazz festivals of 2020

Jazz Festivals are a great way to catch up on the latest sounds in jazz music. Here are a few of the best modern jazz festivals of 2020:

-The Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most prestigious festivals in the world. It was founded in 1954 by George Wein and features some of the biggest names in jazz. This year’s lineup includes Pat Metheny, Wynton Marsalis, Gary Bartz, and more.
-The Detroit Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world. It takes place every Labor Day weekend and features over 100 acts on eight stages. This year’s lineup includes Kamasi Washington, Christian McBride, and Marcus Miller.
-The Chicago Jazz Festival is also one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world. It takes place every Labor Day weekend in Millennium Park and features over 100 acts on nine stages. This year’s lineup includes Joey DeFrancesco, Vijay Iyer Sextet, Marquis Hill Blacktet, and more.

The best modern jazz clubs of 2020

As the world of jazz continues to evolve, so do the clubs that showcase the best modern jazz music. Here are our picks for the best jazz clubs of 2020:

The Blue Note Jazz Club (New York, NY)

Known for its legendary Monday night residency with the Jazz Passengers, the Blue Note Jazz Club is one of the premier destinations for live jazz in New York City. The club has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz over the years, and continues to be a hotspot for up-and-coming talent.

The Village Vanguard (New York, NY)

Located in New York’s Greenwich Village, the Village Vanguard is one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the world. The club has been home to many legendary performances over the years, and continues to host some of the biggest names in jazz today. If you’re looking for a true jazz experience, this is the place to go.

The Bimhuis (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

As one of Europe’s leading modern jazz clubs, the Bimhuis is a must-visit for any fan of the genre. The club features a wide range of programming, from traditional Jazz concerts to more experimental performances. No matter what your taste in jazz is, you’re sure to find something you enjoy at the Bimhuis.

The best modern jazz radio stations of 2020

Now that we’ve looked at the best modern jazz of 2020, it’s time to turn our attention to the radio stations that are playing it. Here are some of the best modern jazz radio stations of 2020, according to JazzTimes:

“Best Modern Jazz Radio Station”

1. WBGO (Newark, NJ)
2. KCRW (Santa Monica, CA)
3. WBGO-2 (New York, NY)
4. KCSM (San Mateo, CA)
5. KJZZ (Phoenix, AZ)
6. KMHD (Portland, OR)
7. KPLU (Tacoma, WA)
8. WRTI (Philadelphia, PA)
9. WGMC (Rochester, NY)
10. WDET (Detroit, MI)

The best modern jazz websites of 2020

Thanks to the internet, there are now more ways than ever to enjoy jazz music. Here are our picks for the best modern jazz websites of 2020:

1. All About Jazz – https://www.allaboutjazz.com

2. The Jazz Times – https://jazztimes.com

3. NPR Music – https://www.npr.org/sections/jazz

4. Red Hot Jazz – http://www.redhotjazz.com

5. Smithsonian Jazz – http://www.smithsonianfolkways.org/explore_our_sounds/smithsonian_jazz

The best modern jazz books of 2020

In a year defined by immense upheaval and change, the jazz world kept on chugging, delivering a steady stream of new releases that reflected both the times we live in and the history that preceded them. We heard fresh takes on traditional forms, complex explorations of race and identity, forward-thinking experiments with sound and structure, andmoving tributes to lost legends. In other words, it was business as usual for jazz in 2020.

And while the past year brought plenty of challenges, it also delivered some truly great music. Here are 10 of the best modern jazz albums of 2020.

The best modern jazz movies of 2020

There was a lot of great modern jazz music released in 2020. Here are our picks for the best of the best.

The best modern jazz TV shows of 2020

There are a lot of great television shows that feature modern jazz music. Here are some of the best ones that you can watch in 2020:

-Thelonious Monk: American Composer
This documentary tells the story of one of the most important and influential figures in jazz history, Thelonious Monk. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in jazz, as well as rare footage and recordings of Monk himself.

-Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool
This documentary chronicles the life and career of Miles Davis, one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. It features interviews with Davis’ family and friends, as well as performance footage from throughout his career.

-Beneath the Surface: John Coltrane
This documentary explores the life and work of John Coltrane, one of the most important and influential saxophonists in jazz history. It features interviews with those who knew him best, as well as performance footage and recordings.