We start with a classic that belongs in every jazz library, then bring things into the 21st century with recent releases bound to interest newcomers to the genre. Three of our choices are vocalists, each with a highly individualistic approach – one is a rather surprising collaboration of jazz meeting country. Two are modern jazz pianists – one is an astonishingly young virtuoso. Rounding out our selections is a major new voice in jazz vocals. Enjoy, and feel free to leave your comments below.
Keith Jarrett’s album The Köln Concert has been a jazz legend for more than 40 years, and sounds as fresh today as it did back in 1975. This is a two-record set of a solo concert that was completely improvised and played on a sub-standard rehearsal piano. Hours of tuning just before the concert rendered the instrument playable, but only in the hands of a brilliant craftsman. This is the best-selling piano album in history. Hear this one and go on to Jarrett’s many Trio albums, which are truly wonderful in their own right. But start here.
~ Released 1975
Madeleine Peyroux‘s second album Careless Love brought even greater acclaim than her celebrated Dreamland debut eight years earlier. Her deeply passionate singing, exquisite phrasing, and transformative way with non-jazz material was hailed by critics and fans alike. Simply put, this album was loved by almost everyone who heard it. Her presentations of Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me To The End Of Love”, and Bob Dylan’s “You’re Gonna Make Lonesome When You Go” demonstrated that anything could be turned into jazz. This album is a treasure: cool, graceful, and warm all at once.
~ Released 2004
Another terrific concert album recorded on the Blue Note jazz label, Two Men With The Blues featured the jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the country singer Willie Nelson. What could they possibly have had in common? They both loved the blues, particularly with a New Orleans jazzy feel. The sheer joy and exuberance emanating from this recording is almost overwhelming. Willie plays a fine nylon-string guitar, while Wynton and a sizzling band dominate the overall sound. The songs are not new by any means, but what’s old becomes new again with these gentlemen on stage. A #1 album on the Billboard charts for 4 weeks.
~ Released 2008
Bill Charlap is a Grammy award-winning pianist with a traditional approach to the trio format. Backing him are the usual bass and drums – but his sparkling technique, combined with restrained elegance, make Street of Dreams an ideal album for new fans of jazz. Standout tracks include “The Duke”, Dave Brubeck’s tribute to Duke Ellington, and a beautifully slow “What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life”. Charlap’s choice of repertoire is far from the norm, and the variations in his tempos and attack are splendid.
~ Released 2021
Joey Alexander‘s rise to fame in the world of jazz is remarkable. He first played publicly at age of nine in 2013 when he was invited by Wynton Marsalis to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala. Continuance is his 7th studio album, and teams him with trumpeter Theo Croker. Joey’s previous album Origin featured several of his own compositions, and Continuance (implied in the title) provides five new self-written tracks. Joey has it all. Playing fast and fluid runs, or slowing it down for gentle ballads with equal mastery, at the age of 24 he is the new young lion of jazz piano.
~ Released 2023
A searingly beautiful album of superlative vocals and impeccable musicianship, Lizz Wright‘s newest release is entitled Shadow. It features collaborations with such artists as Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello. There isn’t a weak track on the record; it’s a low-key affair of lost love and redemption. Wright co-wrote most of the material, showing new strength as a songwriter. Two cover standouts: the Candi Staton R & B burner “Sweet Feeling” and the closer, the Sandy Denny classic “Who Knows Where The Time Goes”. The album is a smoky crossover triumph of jazz, folk, and blues.
~ Released 2024
Sachal Vasandani is the coolest male jazz singer around, and the title track of his latest album Best Life Now is the track of 2025. Casual, wry and disarmingly honest in his lyrics, Sachal exudes urban jazz sensitivity though he is destined for greater mainstream appeal. His smooth baritone voice, backed by strong contemporary jazz arrangements, makes for perfect playlist material. And it’s anything but superficial. With a 13-piece jazz band that includes star drummer Nate Smith, Vasandani is one of the most intriguing and talented jazz composers/ performers on the New York music scene. Highly recommended.
~ Released 2025
