Here are the best 30 jazz albums of all time. You may recognise some of them, and there are plenty of hidden gems for all fans of jazz music.
The Thundering Herds – Woody Herman
The 1940s swing and exciting beats are still highly adrenaline-pumping nowadays. This record features the Herman bands’ best bangers of the day.
Moanin’ – Art Blakey
Anthems such as Along Came Betty and Blues March have stood the test of time, mostly due to Blakey’s soul-based bop lines and fresh delivery.
Maiden Voyage – Herbie Hancock
At the peak of the 60s, Hancock released this thrilling jazz album. It contains complex rhythmic structures and compositions that have since become jazz classics.
At the Cafe Montmartre – Cecil Taylor
He is not to everyone’s taste, but no one can deny Taylor’s impact on avant-garde jazz. His timing and innovative metrics have gone on to influence many.
Fontessa – Modern Jazz Quartert
Led by John Lewis, the Modern Jazz Quartet set out to revolutionise jazz, and they did. Fontessa is one of their early records that capture their fury and capacity to make noise.
The Genius of Bud Powell – Bud Powell
A glimpse into the fantastic improvisational prowess of Powell, this record has gone down in the annals of jazz piano.
The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery – Wes Montgomery
The guitar solos on this album are masterfully crafted, and Montgomery’s interpretation of chords and improvisation have inspired generations.
Songs for Swingin’ Lovers – Frank Sinatra
Old Blue Eyes is not considered a jazz musician, but this mid-50s record is a perfect blend of his swooning vocals and jazz swing.
But Not For Me At the Pershing – Ahmad Jamal
Jamal’s vision for piano, guitar and bass trio interplay is impeccable, and this record summarises all that he was trying to achieve.
Volume 1 – Jelly Roll Morton
Remastering originals and reinterpreting many classics, Morton was a visionary in jazz, setting the stage for the likes of Ellington or Evans.
Heavy Weather – Weather Report
Using a simple configuration, Heavy Weather managed to create some of the most legendary tracks of the time, including Havona and Teen Town.
Time out – Dave Brubeck
Brubeck’s captivating record features some unusual time signatures, memorable melodies and a tremendous display by Paul Desmond.
Free Jazz – Ornette Coleman
The concept behind this album was to collect two contrasting quartets and allow them to improvise a collective set of jazz tunes.
Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock
Hancock mastered jazz funk and gave us one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time with Head Hunters. It remains a hugely popular record to this day.
Inner Mounting Flame – Mahavishnu Orchestra
One of John McLaughlin’s greatest achievements was forming the Mahavishnu Orchestra. This album features their best work, defining the role of guitar in jazz.
Spiritual Unity – Albert Ayler Trio
This record displays Ayler’s frenetic sound, with sonic booms and hysterical trilling, with brilliant free rhythm melodies.
The Blanton Webster Band – Duke Ellington
Featuring a host of talented collaborators, this is one of Duke Ellington’s finest compositions, allowing his creative improvisations to run wild.
Out to Lunch – Eric Dolphy
Alone Together is one of the key tracks on Dolphy’s amazing record, the start of what could have been a legendary career.
Complete Hot Fives and Sevens – Louis Armstrong
All of Armstrong’s solos on this album burst with energy and breathtaking creativity. It is easily one of his best albums and a must for all jazz collections.
Giant Steps – John Coltrane
This album has a tremendous legacy in the world of jazz and features some of the great Coltrane’s principal work.
The Koln Concert- Keith Jarrett
The Koln Concert was arguably Jarrett’s finest work, experimenting with hypnotic arrangements and rhythmic improvisations.
Bird – Charlie Parker
A compilation of the Savoy Recordings, this record features Parker, undiluted and raw, delivering spine-shivering melodies.
Bitches Brew – Miles Davis
Davis’ bridge into jazz-rock with Bitches Brew became an iconic album of the late 60s and remains one of the most electrifying albums of the genre.
Mingus Ah Um – Charles Mingus
This album gave Mingus his big breakthrough and has influences from gospel and boogie music. It is very much an eclectic expression of musicality.
Saxophone Colossus – Sonny Rollins
Rollins’ captivating performances on this album, combined with his unpredictable improvisations and deep groove, put this album among the greats.
Brilliant Corners – Thelonious Monk
With complicated compositions and a fresh interpretation of jazz, Monk helped pioneer modern jazz through this record.
Sunday at the Village Vanguard – Bill Evans Trio
Sunday at the Village Vanguard beautifully captures Bill Evans’ emotional depth, quirky interplay and lyrical beauty. The live recording is still a huge favourite among jazz enthusiasts today.
Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come
Coleman pushed the boundaries and dared to experiment with different avant-garde movements and notions to produce this groundbreaking album.
A Love Supreme – John Coltrane
This album is very much a journey, taking listeners on a profound spiritual adventure filled with technical excellence and emotional, soulful melodies.
A Kind of Blue – Miles Davis
The quintessential modal jazz record, A Kind of Blue, is no doubt one of the most iconic jazz albums. It has stood the test of time and is a compilation of melodic complexities and sophisticated improvisations.