The 13 Best Jazz Albums of 2021
Creative, improvised music in the Black American tradition remains in a state of wonder and genre-crossing excitement in the best jazz albums of 2021.
Will Layman
Will Layman is a writer, teacher and musician living in the Washington, DC area. He has been a contributor to National Public Radio and WNYC's "Soundcheck" as a jazz critic. He plays rock, funk, and jazz in the bars and clubs in and near the nation's capital. His fiction and humor appear in print and online.
As East Axis, Shipp, Lowe, Cleaver, and Ray Play Free Jazz Together
Matthew Shipp, Allen Lowe, Gerald Cleaver, and Kevin Ray are East Axis, a free improvising jazz band that never sound harsh or lost on Cool with That.
Bill Charlap’s Jazz Trio Elevates Tradition with Subtle Wonder
Bill Charlap is not so much leading a neo-traditionalism movement as he is playing a traditional style well—and with as much nuanced artfulness—as anyone in his generation.
Pat Metheny Looks Forward and Back with SIDE-EYE Album and Tour
Jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny discusses his relationship with a new generation of players and reflects on his place in the legacy of the music.
Solo Saxophones for Lonely Times: Jon Irabagon, J.D. Allen, and Jaleel Shaw
Recently, three prominent jazz saxophonists emerged with unaccompanied solo LPs: J.D. Allen, Jon Irabagon, and Jaleel Shaw. Each of these new Covid-era recordings suggests new possibilities.
Jazz Saxophonist Chris Potter Reunites a Trio on ‘Sunrise Reprise’
Chris Potter’s Circuits Trio, featuring James Francies and Eric Harland, return with Sunrise Reprise – laying synthesizers and woodwinds without cliche.
David Crosby Reaches for Transcendence (and Groove) with ‘For Free’
As he approaches 80, David Crosby makes his best solo album, climaxing his late career with poignant lyrics, strong grooves, and jazz harmonies.
James Brandon Lewis and Red Lily Wagon Explore George Washington Carver’s Legacy Through Heartfelt Improvisation
James Brandon Lewis, a highly expressive young saxophonist, explores the meaning of George Washington Carver through a fresh quintet, earthy and free at once.
Dave Holland Returns with a Daring Guitar Trio Featuring Kevin Eubanks
On Another Land, jazz bassist Dave Holland returns to the guitar trio format with Kevin Eubanks of The Tonight Show band flying by his side.
Nortonk Are a Young Band with Jazz Swagger
Nortonk are a young quartet that bring New Jazz composition to the piano-less quartet format. That format adds to the power of this collective voice.
María Grand Updates Sonny Rollins for the New Century with RECIPROCITY
The thrill of María Grand’s exceptionally flexible trio is how easily they make the complex sound earthy while imbuing simple themes with weight and power.
Pianist Vijay Iyer Looks Back and Ahead with His New Trio on ‘Uneasy’
Vijay Iyer Trio’s Uneasy is a set of modern piano jazz covering a remarkable range, featuring three brilliant musical imaginations playing well together.