Modernjazz.gr is once again reviewing 58 different Year-End Charts published online, to find the most objective, reliable, and democratic answer to the crucial question occupying jazz enthusiasts these days: Which albums were ultimately considered “The Best Jazz Albums of 2024”?
The detailed results are presented in the cumulative chart, “ALL THE BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2024“, whose top section is displayed in the image below. This chart, in spreadsheet format, includes links and could serve as a guide to the jazz discography of 2024, while also being useful for further statistical analysis and conclusions. Note that it excludes historical recordings, reissues, etc., and only features recently recorded music.
THE MUSICIANS AND ALBUMS
Out of the 457 albums included in the chart, the following 26 received the most preferences and occupied the top 8 positions, earning the title “The Best” out of “THE BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2024”:
- Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, Tyshawn Sorey – Compassion (ECM) / UTB
First place goes to a lively album for ECM standards, featuring pianist Vijay Iyer’s trio. - Patricia Brennan Septet – Breaking Stretch (Pyroclastic) / BC, UTB
In second place, a surprise with vibraphonist Patricia Brennan’s robust and free-spirited septet. - Charles Lloyd – The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow (Blue Note), UTB
Third place is earned by the iconic 86-y.o. saxophonist Charles Lloyd, in incredible form and clarity - – David Murray – Francesca (Intakt), UTB, Vol. 2
The brilliance of 69-y.o. saxophone hero David Murray is undeniable.
– Mary Halvorson – Cloudward (Nonesuch) BC, UTB
Avant-garde guitarist Mary Halvorson grows increasingly accessible. - Nubya Garcia – Odyssey (Concord) BC, UTB, Vol. 4
Neo-modal vibes in saxophonist Nubya Garcia’s compositions with orchestra and numerous collaborators.
– Samara Joy – Portrait (Verve) UTB, Vol. 4
Everyone bows to the vocal and interpretive talent of 24-year-old Samara Joy. - – Matthew Shipp Trio – New Concepts in Piano Trio Jazz (ESP-Disk) BC, UTB
Pianist Matthew Shipp continues to innovate with creativity as his banner.
– Shabaka – Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace (Impulse!) / Wiki, UTB
The new-age version of jazz by saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings.
– Tyshawn Sorey – The Susceptible Now (Pi) / BC
A sophisticated modern trio led by drummer Tyshawn Sorey.
– Wadada Leo Smith, Amina Claudine Myers – Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir Lake, Paths and Gardens (Red Hook) / BC, UTB
Two historic improvisational figures, 83-y.o trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and 82-year-old pianist Amina Claudine Myers, in profound musical dialogue. - – Bill Frisell – Orchestras (Blue Note) UTB
Renowned 73-y.o. guitarist Bill Frisell, accompanied by orchestras, arranged by Michael Gibbs.
– Immanuel Wilkins – Blues Blood (Blue Note) / UTB
The talented new-gen saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins presents as mostly calm and meditative, leaving room for vocalists.
– Julian Lage – Speak To Me (Blue Note) / UTB
American music through the lens of well-known guitarist Julian Lage.
– Kris Davis – Run the Gauntlet (Pyroclastic) / BC, UTB
Expressionist compositions and improvisations by pianist Kris Davis and her “postmodern” trio.
– Milton Nascimento, Esperanza Spalding – Milton + esperanza (Concord) / BC, UTB
A collaboration born of mutual respect and a 15-year friendship.
– Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (Warp) / BC, UTB
Ambient jazz from harpist and synthesizer player Nala Sinephro. - – Darius Jones – Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye) (AUM Fidelity) / BC, UTB
Fiery free jazz, as expected, from saxophonist Darius Jones’ trio.
– Jeff Parker ETA IVtet – The Way Out of Easy (International Anthem) / BC, UTB
A live concert featuring long-form improvisations by guitarist Jeff Parker’s quartet.
– Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble – Open Me, a Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit (Spiritmuse) / BC, UTB
Spiritual Afro-jazz by percussionist Kahil El’Zabar and his 50-year-old ensemble.
– Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement (Young) / BC, UTB
Dynamic neo-spiritual jazz by saxophonist Kamasi Washington, inviting us to ritualistic dancing.
– Kenny Barron – Beyond This Place (Artwork) UTB
Contemporary mainstream jazz, as played by the group of evergreen 81-y.o. pianist Kenny Barron,
– Luke Stewart – Unknown Rivers (Pi) / BC
Bassist Luke Stewart’s trio in free-bop explorations.
– Steve Coleman and Five Elements – PolyTropos/Of Many Turns (Pi) / BC
Modern jazz pioneer Steve Coleman continues his rhythm-focused work.
– Tarbaby – You Think This America (Giant Step Arts) / BC, UTB
A trio of Orrin Evans, Eric Revis, and Nasheet Waits, rooted in tradition
– The Messthetics, James Brandon Lewis – The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis (Impulse!) / BC, UTB
The self-proclaimed punk-jazz collaboration between the Messthetics trio and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis.
OBSERVATION: During the last five years, modernjazz.gr annually publishes such consolidated lists, where many of the aforementioned artists consistently appear in the top spots. Detailed data can be found in the third sheet of this year’s catalog, titled “2020/24”.
THE LABELS
The participation of the most prominent record labels, identified in 405 of the 457 albums, is as follows:
Blue Note: Votes 76 – Albums 15
ECM: Votes 53 – Albums 15
Pyroclastic: Votes 36 – Albums 5
Pi: Votes 30 – Albums 5
Self-Produced: Votes 30 – Albums 28
Concord: Votes 23 – Albums 4
Edition: Votes 23 – Albums 12
Intakt: Votes 23 – Albums 6
International Anthem: Votes 22 – Albums 7
Nonesuch: Votes 20 – Albums 4
Cellar: Votes 17 – Albums 13
Impulse!: Votes 17 – Albums 2
Verve: Votes 17 – Albums 3
ESP-Disk: Votes 16 – Albums 3
AUM Fidelity: Votes 14 – Albums 3
Sunnyside: Votes 13 – Albums 4
Mack Avenue: Votes 12 – Albums 5
Artwork: Votes 11 – Albums 3
Origin: Votes 10 – Albums 9
ACT: Votes 8 – Albums 6
THE PLAYLIST
Let us explore critics’ preferences through a representative playlist, featuring tracks from the top 26 albums. While it stems from the “hard-core” of jazz, with a significant dose of avant-garde/free, and might often be challenging, or even exhausting for the average jazz listener, it provides an opportunity to appreciate what experts today consider high art and seemingly timeless innovation.
“Τhe Best”, out of “THE BEST JAZZ ALBUMS OF 2024” playlist
is available on music streaming services
Modernjazz.gr
Modernjazz.gr was thrilled to see 15 of its 78 picks included among the 457 albums in the chart. These picks can be found in its 2024 Jazz Releases, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol.3 & Vol.4 collections. Additionally, a few more albums have been discovered to be part of the upcoming Vol. 5, set for release in January 2025, covering November and December 2024.
Finally, Modernjazz.gr will contribute to the year’s overall picture with the “JAZZ BEATS 2024” playlist, featuring 17 tracks already included in the four 2024 collections. This playlist skillfully dialogues with its era, resulting in an accessible and high-quality offering that appeals to a broader, predominantly youthful audience. The Spirit of Miles Davis is evident behind this philosophy.
Listen to the “JAZZ BEATS 2024” playlist on digital platforms
and discover the musicians and albums from the catalog with the links,
provided below:
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- Ferge X Fisherman – GOOD MOTHER: ADULTS (Vol. 2)
- 20syl, Christophe Panzani – Sula Bassana: Playtime feat Eric Legnini (Vol. 4)
- corto.alto – Bad With Names (The Remixes): Latency (BAKEY Remix) (Vol. 2)
- Brent Birckhead – Cacao (Deluxe): Cold Fried Chicken (Vol.2)
- Clarence Penn – Behind the Voice: Human Nature (Vol. 3)
- Leon Phal – No Pain, No Champagne: Shaped By Water (Vol. 4)
- Alex Sipiagin – Horizons: AIVA-tion (Vol. 3)
- Clothing Club – Fresh Fade: Hot Stoff (Vol. 2)
- Greg Spero, Joe Cleveland, Stixx Taylor – Coming Up: Cocoa Dust (Vol. 2)
- Jasik – Ibowo: Ominira (Hand Over the Sun) (Vol. 3)
- Morgan Guerin – Tales Of The Facade: Silhouette (Vol. 2)
- Catpack, Amber Navran, Jacob Mann, Phil Beaudreau – Catpack: Yep (Vol. 3)
- Dr. Syros – Joint Practice, Vol. 2: Dr. Syros Is Back (Vol. 1)
- Keyon Harrold – Foreverland: Find Your Peace (Vol. 1)
- Hiruy Tirfe – 10,000 Hours: LIVE YOUR LIFE AND TAKE CONTROL (Vol. 1)
- Joabe Reis – 028: IBC (Vol. 1)
- Ol’ Burger Beats – 74: Out of Time: Out of Time (Vol. 1)
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Happy New Year!
Imitonios