The Top 10 Jazz Albums of 2025

Jazz has flourished this year with remarkable diversity, spanning genres, influences, audiences, and creative approaches. Notably, four of the albums are led by women, and five highlight prominent female collaborators. The age range among bandleaders stretches from 38-year-old Sullivan Fortner to 87-year-old Charles Lloyd, with others distributed across generations. Independent labels released seven of the ten albums, four of which are artist-owned, including Pyroclastic, Greenleaf, and Yes. Audiophiles will be pleased: all albums deliver impressive sound quality, with half available on finely mastered vinyl.

Mary Halvorson About Ghosts

Mary Halvorson continues to rise in stature. Her sextet, Amaryllis, was named the top group of the year, and she herself was recognized as the leading guitarist. About Ghosts is a triumph, showcasing Halvorsons unique voice, fearless experimentation, and sophisticated compositional approach. Her bandmates contribute to intuitive, high-energy interplay, creating music that is both complex and joyful.

Mary Halvorson & Sylvie Courvoisier Duets

Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier share the spotlight on this collaborative album, alternating as composers across tracks. Halvorson favors unconventional pathways, while Courvoisier leans into modern-classical harmonies. Together, they create a collection that is playful, inventive, and full of nuanced beauty.

Fred Hersch Piano Trio

Fred Hersch returns with his first piano-trio album in seven years, delivering virtuosity and lyrical elegance. Joined by drummer Joey Baron and bassist Drew Gress, Hersch balances energetic improvisation with structured pieces, including inventive renditions of Ornette Colemans Law Years and Gershwins Embraceable You.

Sullivan Fortner Southern Nights

Sullivan Fortners piano artistry blends exuberance, wit, and technical mastery. Southern Nights, featuring Peter Washington and Marcus Gilmore, opens with sparkling keyboard textures and evolves into soulful, rhythmic explorations reminiscent of Dr. John, making it one of the standout piano-trio recordings of the year.

Patricia Brennan

Vibraphonist Patricia Brennans latest album showcases her distinctive compositional approach, inspired by celestial patterns and the circle of fifths. Her music merges 20th-century classical, avant-garde jazz, and Latin influences with bluesy, adventurous spirit. Collaborating with artists such as Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson, Brennan presents a bold and imaginative soundscape.

Amina Claudine Myers

At 83, Amina Claudine Myers remains an elegant and profound presence in jazz. Her solo album blends one standard with nine originals, many revisited from past recordings. Rooted in spirituals and enriched by her lifetime of experience, her music offers contemplative, heartfelt expressions.

David Murray

Tenor saxophonist David Murray, age 70, demonstrates enduring mastery and creativity. Supported by pianist Marta Sanchez, Murrays quartet merges the warmth of classic jazz sounds with inventive improvisation, bridging tradition and contemporary expression.

Dave Douglas Alloy

Trumpeter Dave Douglas, now 62, continues to inspire with Alloy. Featuring young trumpeters Alexandra Ridout and Dave Adewumi, debut bassist Kate Pass, longtime drummer Rudy Royston, and vibraphonist Patricia Brennan, the album blends spirituals, ballads, and energetic numbers into a cohesive, adventurous journey.

Charles Lloyd Trio Album

At 87, Charles Lloyd demonstrates graceful virtuosity on this intimate trio recording with pianist Jason Moran and guitarist Marvin Sewell. Covering originals and standards, the album conveys festive, soulful beauty while honoring figures like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Leonard Bernstein.

Jason Moran Collaborative Project

Jason Moran concludes the year with a unique collaboration with Norways leading jazz ensemble, arranged by Ole Morten Vgan. The project features Morans compositions alongside works by Jaki Byard and Brahms, with Morans piano performance remaining at the forefront, offering a vibrant and captivating listening experience.

Author: Noah Whitman