The Best Jazz Music to Listen to Right Now

Check out our list of the best jazz albums to listen to right now. From Miles Davis to John Coltrane, these are the best jazz records around.

Best Jazz Albums of 2020

It’s been a big year for jazz already, and we’re only a little past the halfway point. We’ve seen returns from musical giants like saxophonist Charles Lloyd and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, experimental upstarts like pianist Aruan Ortiz, and breakout debuts from artists like singer Brianna Thomas and the trio 3 chords and a cloud of dust.

There’s been a wide range of sounds and styles represented on our list of the best jazz albums of 2020 so far, but there’s one thing all these records have in common: they’re all essential listening. So whether you’re looking for something to relax to or something to get your blood pumping, you’ll find something here that fits the bill.

Best Jazz Songs of 2020

It’s been a big year for jazz. Nate Chinen’s annual roundup for WBGO and NPR Music features some of the best jazz releases of 2020.

There’s been a lot of great jazz music this year — including new albums fromestablished masters like saxophonist Sonny Rollins and pianist McCoy Tyner, as well as fresh voices like trumpeter nerds and singer Brianna Thomas.

Here are 10 of the best jazz albums of 2020, according to NPR Music’s Jazz Critics Poll.

Best Jazz Artists to Listen to Right Now

In a genre that’s always evolving, it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest jazz musicians. But fear not! We’re here to help. Check out our list of the best jazz artists to listen to right now, and get ready to add some new music to your collection.

-Kamasi Washington
-Trombone Shorty
-Moses Sumney
-Weather Report
-Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Best Jazz Record Labels

Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records was founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis. The label originally focused on recordings by African American artists, but soon began to also feature recordings by white jazz musicians. Blue Note is widely considered to be one of the most important jazz record labels of all time, and has been home to some of the genre’s most iconic artists, including Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis.

Impulse! Records
Founded in 1960 by producer Bob Thiele, Impulse! Records was initially conceived as a jazz label, but would go on to feature a wide variety of genres, including R&B, rock, and gospel. Some of the most important names in jazz recorded for Impulse!, including Coleman Hawkins, Charles Mingus, Archie Shepp, and Pharaoh Sanders.

ECM Records
ECM Records was founded in 1969 by producer Manfred Eicher. The label has always had a strong focus on European jazz musicians, but has also featured artists from other parts of the world. ECM is home to some of the most respected names in jazz, including Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, and Chick Corea.

Best Jazz Festivals

he best jazz festivals are the perfect place to enjoy great live music, food and drink, and good company. Here are 10 of the best jazz festivals around the world that you should consider attending.

1. Newport Jazz Festival (Newport, Rhode Island, USA)
2. Montreux Jazz Festival (Montreux, Switzerland)
3. North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
4. Montreal International Jazz Festival (Montreal, Canada)
5. Cork Jazz Festival (Cork, Ireland)
6. Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
7. Wigan International Jazz Festival (Wigan, England)
8. Java Jazz Festival (Jakarta, Indonesia)
9. Capital City Jazz Fest (Washington, D.C., USA)
10. Glasgow International Jazz Festival (Glasgow, Scotland)