The Top Jazz Music of 2013

2013 was a great year for jazz music, with many talented artists releasing innovative and exciting albums. Here are our picks for the top jazz albums of 2013.

The Best Jazz of 2013

There were a lot of great jazz albums released in 2013. Here are some of our favourites.

BadBadNotGood – III

This year’s top jazz music comes from the band BadBadNotGood. Their album III is a fantastic example of modern jazz. It’s creative, it’s catchy, and it will definitely get your foot tapping.

Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit

Porter follows up his well-received debut with an even more impressive effort, expanding his sound while staying true to his vintage jazz roots. “Liquid Spirit” is the perfect title track, a groove-heavy ode to the joys and sorrows of life that features one of Porter’s most soulful vocal performances. Other highlights include the simmering “Hey Laura,” the brassy “On My Way to Harlem,” and the gospel-tinged “When Love Was King.”

Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio 2

One of the best jazz albums of 2013, “Black Radio 2” is the follow up to Robert Glasper Experiment’s 2012 breakthrough, “Black Radio.” Building on the success of that album, “Black Radio 2” features an even more diverse range of musical styles, while still staying true to Glasper’s jazz roots. Highlights include the lead single “Calls,” featuring vocals from Musiq Soulchild and Marsha Ambrosius, as well as the title track, which features singers like Ledisi and Faith Evans. With its mix of classic jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, “Black Radio 2” is an essential album for any fan of contemporary jazz.

Trombone Shorty – Say That to Say This

This album is the follow-up to Trombone Shorty’s highly acclaimed 2010 release, Backatown, and his 2013 release, Say That To Say This, both of which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz chart and earned him a GRAMMY nomination. On Say That To Say This, Trombone Shorty expands his sound by incorporating R&B and Hip Hop elements into his unique blend of funk and jazz. The result is an album that is equal parts danceable and thought provoking, with a sound that is distinctly Trombone Shorty.

The Worst Jazz of 2013

It’s no secret that 2013 was a tough year for jazz. A lot of great artists died, and the music just seemed to be getting worse and worse. But there are always a few bright spots, and this list will highlight the best of the best. These are the top jazz albums of 2013.

Miles Davis – Bitches Brew Live

This Miles Davis album was recorded live in 1970, and it’s pretty clear that the band wasn’t too tight. The playing is all over the place, and the solos are often meandering and directionless. It’s not an album for fans of straight-ahead jazz; if you’re looking for that, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re open to something a little different, Bitches Brew Live might just be for you.

John Coltrane – Offering: Live at Temple University

It’s been said that the great thing about bad jazz is that there’s so much of it. Nowhere is that more evident than on this live album by saxophonist John Coltrane, which was recorded at Temple University in October 1967, just a few months before his death.

Coltrane was clearly past his prime by this point, and the playing on this album is often sloppy and unfocused. The solos are meandering and lack direction, and the band as a whole sounds uninspired. It’s a rare misstep from one of jazz’s all-time greats.

Wayne Shorter – Without a Net

Wayne Shorter’s “Without a Net” is one of the worst jazz albums of 2013. It’s an hour of modal meandering and noodling, with Shorter repeating the same tired licks over and over again. The only thing worse than the music is the self-indulgent liner notes, which read like a bad college paper. Save your money and skip this one.