New Jazz Music Releases for 2021
Contents
- Upcoming Jazz Music Releases for 2021
- Best Jazz Music Releases of 2020
- Top Jazz Albums of 2020
- Jazz Music Releases to Look Forward to in 2021
- New Jazz Music Releases This Week
- Recent Jazz Music Releases
- Recommended Jazz Music Releases
- Upcoming Jazz Concerts & Tours
- Jazz Festivals to Check Out in 2021
- Essential Jazz Albums
Check out the latest and greatest new jazz music releases for 2021. From established artists to fresh new faces on the scene, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming Jazz Music Releases for 2021
As the world slowly returns to some sense of normalcy, the music industry is gearing up for a busy 2021. Jazz fans can look forward to new albums from a number of high-profile artists, including piano legend Chick Corea, innovative saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and trumpeter Terence Blanchard.
Chick Corea will release not one, but two new albums in 2021. The first, titled Play, is a solo piano album that features interpretations of works by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and other jazz icons. Corea Recorded the album live at the Blue Note Tokyo in November 2019, just days before he was diagnosed with cancer. He subsequently underwent treatment and is now in remission.
Kamasi Washington’s highly anticipated third studio album, Heaven and Earth, is scheduled for release on June 22nd. The double album features an orchestra and choir in addition to Washington’s regular band lineup, and promises to be a genre-defying masterpiece.
Terence Blanchard will also return with a new studio album in 2021. His as-yet-untitled record will be his first since 2017’s A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina), and will feature collaborations with some of today’s top young jazz musicians. Look for it later this spring.
Best Jazz Music Releases of 2020
It’s been a tough year for music lovers, with so many concerts and festivals cancelled due to the pandemic. But despite the challenges, there have been some great jazz releases to help us get through 2020. Here are some of the best jazz albums of the year.
{“type”:” Roz and The Rice Cakes – Positive Distraction”}
Roz and The Rice Cakes are a Providence, Rhode Island-based band led by singer/songwriter Roz Raskin. Their new album, Positive Distraction, is an eclectic mix of genres including jazz, pop, rock, and folk. Raskin’s songs are catchy and upbeat, with a positive message that we could all use during these difficult times.
{“type”:” Rainbow Jackson – Greetings from Rainbowland”}
Rainbow Jackson is a Los Angeles-based band led by brothers Myles and Oscar Jackson. Their new album, Greetings from Rainbowland, is a fun mix of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop. The Jacksons’ music is full of energy and positivity, perfect for getting your groove on.
{“type”:” Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth”}
Kamasi Washington is one of the most acclaimed saxophonists of our time. His new double album, Heaven and Earth, is a masterwork of jazz that blends spiritual themes with political messages. Washington’s playing is as powerful as ever, making this one of the most important jazz releases of the year.
Top Jazz Albums of 2020
It’s been a big year for jazz music, with a number of stunning new releases from a wide variety of artists. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite jazz albums of 2020, featuring everything from traditional to avant-garde to electronic.
Top Jazz Albums of 2020:
1. Wayne Shorter – Emanon
2. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
3. Robert Glasper –ArtScience
4. Miles Davis – Rubberband
5. Trombone Shorty – Parking Lot Symphony
Jazz Music Releases to Look Forward to in 2021
While we might not be able to enjoy live music in the same way we did pre-COVID, there are still plenty of new jazz releases to look forward to in 2021. Here are just a few of the artists that are scheduled to drop new albums this year:
-Trombone Shorty will be releasing his first album in five years, entitled For True. The album is scheduled for release on April 6th.
-Saxophonist Kamasi Washington is set to release his third album, Harmony of Difference, on September 29th.
-Pianist Jason Moran will be releasing his ninth studio album, Show Me a Leader, on September 15th.
-The Robert Glasper Experiment will be releasing their fifth album, ArtScience 2.0, on August 4th.
New Jazz Music Releases This Week
Check out the newest jazz music releases this week!
Recent Jazz Music Releases
It’s a new year, and that means there are plenty of new jazz releases to check out. Here are just a few of the most recent releases that are worth your time.
“Maiden Voyage Suite” by Kamasi Washington – This three-part album is a reimagining of Herbie Hancock’s classic 1965 album “Maiden Voyage.” Kamasi Washington brings his own unique style to the material, and the results are simply stunning.
“Stan Getz at Storyville” by Stan Getz – This live album was recorded in 1951 at the legendary Boston nightclub Storyville. It features some of Getz’s most famous recordings, including “Morning Star” and “Body and Soul.”
“Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall” by Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane – This historic recording captures a one-time performance by two giants of jazz. Monk and Coltrane were at the top of their game, and the results are nothing short of stunning.
Recommended Jazz Music Releases
Jazz music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a new wave of artists revitalizing the genre for a new generation of listeners. If you’re looking to explore some of the latest and greatest jazz releases, here are a few recommendations to get you started.
“Be Water” by Brad Mehldau
Mehldau is one of the most celebrated jazz pianists of our time, and his latest album is a masterful collection of solo piano pieces inspired by the teachings of Bruce Lee. With its meditative moods and reflective melodies, “Be Water” is the perfect album for unwinding after a long day.
“Trilogy 2” by Vijay Iyer
Iyer is one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing musicians in jazz today, and his latest release is no exception. “Trilogy 2” features Iyer on piano, with sidemen bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey, as they explore three extended compositions that push the limits of what jazz can be.
“The Nérija Sessions” by Nérija
This debut album from London-based band Nérija was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, giving it an intimate and organic feel. The band’s skilled interplay is on full display throughout the album, as they navigate their way through complex arrangements with ease.
Upcoming Jazz Concerts & Tours
Jazz music has been around for over a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it seems to be gaining popularity. Every year, new jazz artists emerge and old favorites continue to delight fans with their inventive playing and creative improvisation.
If you’re a fan of jazz music, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2021. Here are just a few of the upcoming concerts and tours that you might want to check out:
-The Miles Davis Quintet: This legendary jazz group will be touring the United States in March and April. They’ll be performing in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.
-Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz: This world-renowned educational institution will be presenting a concert series called “Jazz at Lincoln Center” throughout 2021. The series will feature some of the biggest names in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, and more.
-The Montreux Jazz Festival: One of the most popular jazz festivals in the world, Montreux will take place in Switzerland from July 2-17. This year’s lineup includes big names like Herbie Hancock, Sting, Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, and more.
Jazz Festivals to Check Out in 2021
Jazz music has been around for over a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the genre is as popular as ever, with new artists and bands emerging all the time. If you’re a jazz fan, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great festivals to check out in 2021. Here are just a few of the most promising ones:
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of the most legendary and well-known jazz festivals in the world. Taking place over two weekends in April, the festival features hundreds of artists, ranging from established legends to up-and-coming talents. If you’re looking for a truly authentic jazz experience, this is the festival for you.
The Detroit Jazz Festival is another long-running event that should be on your radar. Taking place over Labor Day weekend in downtown Detroit, the festival features over 100 different artists performing on eight different stages. With its diverse lineup and urban setting, the Detroit Jazz Festival is sure to please even the most diehard jazz fans.
Last but not least, we have the Montreal International Jazz Festival. This massive event takes place over 10 days in late June/early July and features more than 1,000 different performances. With its mix of established artists and up-and-comers, there’s something for everyone at this festival.
Essential Jazz Albums
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting into the genre, these are the essential jazz albums that have been released so far in 2021.
Trombone Shorty – For True
The funkiest album on this list, Trombone Shorty’s For True is a tour de force of New Orleans Jazz. Featuring some of the city’s most talented musicians, this album is guaranteed to get your toes tapping.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – Axiom
The debut album from trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Axiom is a genre-bending masterpiece that blends elements of jazz, hip hop, and R&B. With guest appearances from Herbie Hancock and Jason Moran, this is one album you won’t want to miss.
Yazz Ahmed – La Saboteuse
On her latest album, La Saboteuse, acclaimed trumpeter Yazz Ahmed draws inspiration from her Bahraini heritage to create a truly unique and unforgettable soundscape. If you’re looking for something different, this is the album for you.