THE BEST 30 JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2024
A SELECTION BY FILIPE FREITAS
patricia brennan septet
breaking stretch
Pyroclastic Records
“The musicians are at the top of their games, feeding off one another’s energy organically and navigating every compositional challenge without a glitch."
vijay iyer
compassion
ECM Records
“In the hands of these visionary musicians, jazz remains elegant and transformative."
tomeka reid quartet
3+3
Cuneiform Records
"Undoubtedly Reid’s finest album to date, 3+3 will stand the test of time."
oded tzur
my prophet
ECM Records
"…a magical record, a transfixing masterpiece of restraint enchantment and passionate eruptions that places Tzur at the crest of contemporary spiritual jazz."
charles lloyd
the sky will still be there tomorrow
Blue Note Records
"…showcases a sophisticated hybrid of post-bop, spiritual energy, and eclectic avant-garde jazz…"
peter evans
extra
We Jazz Records
"Extra offers listeners a thrilling musical journey full of discovery. Every track, fresh and provocative, pushes the boundaries of improvisation and experimental music to new heights"
miguel zenón
golden city
Miel Music
"Golden City is both assured and daring, a manifestation of Zenón’s artistry as a composer, arranger, and world-class saxophonist."
anna webber
simpletrio2000
Intakt Records
"…reveals fresh dimensions in the trio’s musical partnership, balancing disciplined control with boundless improvisational spirit."
jon irabagon’s outright
recharge the blade
Irabbagast Records
“As a strikingly original player with an imaginative vision, Irabagon keeps his music refreshingly focused but also bursting with freedom"
nduduzo makhathini
unomkhubulwame
Blue Note Records
"Makhathini immerses the listener in expected reveries with a hypnotic touch, conveying freedom, balance, and humanity - elements so much needed in our days."
bill frisell
orchestras
Blue Note Records
"… showcases Frisell's enduring creativity and marks yet another significant chapter in his illustrious discography."
ben monder
planetarium
Sunnyside Records
"Planetarium is pure musical flow, another impressive entry to the guitarist’s already formidable list of personal accomplishments."
the bad plus
complex emotions
Mack Avenue Records
"Complex Emotions solidifies The Bad Plus as a sensational post-modern jazz act."
gush
afro blue
Trost Records
"Afro Blue highlights Gustafsson and his associates as outstanding improvisers whose directional waves align with engaging foundations and unconfined melodies."
john surman
words unspoken
ECM Records
"Words Unspoken is another winning album in a catalog full of them."
isaiah collier & the chosen few
the world is on fire
Division 81 Records
“Collier’s clarity of vision and bold compositional approach shine throughout, making The World is On Fire a must-listen for fans of post-bop with vanguard jazz inclination"
dan weiss
even odds
Cygnus Recordings
"Even Odds transports listeners beyond ordinary realms, inviting them to embrace the extraordinary."
mary halvorson
cloudward
Nonesuch Records
"…she rides high waves of inspiration alongside peers that understand her advanced musical mind.."
john escreet
the epicenter of your dreams
Blue Room Music
“His tight blend of traditional jazz elements and modern flights of fancy is so logical and cohesive that will keep listeners eager to revisit his music.”
darius jones
the legend of e’boi
AUM Fidelity
"The musicians throw themselves into the music with an unrelenting passion. Their fascinating playing is intriguing, raw, and lush."
shabaka hutchings
perceive its beauty, acknowledge its grace
Impulse!
"Hutchings puts a charming spin and just enough sheen to blend strains of jazz, folk, world music, and other contemporary and ancient elements he chose to express himself."
fred hersch
silent, listening
ECM Records
"Hersch always evokes sincerity and emotion with his piano playing, and Silent, Listening is one of his most worthy solo albums in recent years."
ches smith
laugh ash
Pyroclastic Records
"It's an unclassifiable, gripping album that pushes the boundaries of creative music in an original and compelling way."
james brandon lewis quartet
transfiguration
Intakt Records
"Lewis’ singled-out quartet is invested with imaginative intuition and unity."
luke stewart’s silt trio
unknown rivers
Pi Recordings
"Exploring eclectic avenues with boldness, Stewart steps forward artistically with a risk-taking album..."
kenny barron
beyond this place
Artwork Records
"…marks a strong return for Barron, characterized by stimulating conversational exchanges and masterful musicianship."
bill frisell/kit downes/andrew cyrille
breaking the shell
Red Hook Records
"…the trio demonstrates a constant fascination with sound and texture, creating a transcendental work of experimental jazz that is as bewildering as it is exhilarating."
tyshawn sorey trio
the susceptible now
Pi Recordings
"…a lucid, masterful work that, while precisely arranged in a modern fashion, maintains a pervasive sense of freedom and executional flexibility."
dave douglas
gifts
Greenleaf Records
"Gifts offers a diverse array of moods and textures across its tracks to keep you alert and engaged throughout."
tord gustavsen trio
seeing
ECM Records
"One feels lighter when losing ourselves in the melodies, chords, and rhythms of Seeing, a work filled with outstanding musicianship, restraint, and openness."