Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New!
Contemporary jazz is a general term for jazz that encompasses smooth jazz and fusion.
Literally, it means “modern jazz,” but even jazz from the 1940s can fall under contemporary jazz, which may make it hard for some people to picture what it is.
This time, for those people, we’ve picked out classic contemporary jazz tracks spanning a wide range of eras.
Many of the songs are catchy, so even those who aren’t well-versed in jazz should be able to enjoy them.
Please relax and enjoy reading to the end.
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- Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
- Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- Classic Dixieland jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Welcome to the world of "Vocalo Jazz" [VOCAJAZZ]
- Jazz medley. World-famous masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces: A Curated Mix of Classics and New Gems (1–10)
Strange FruitBillie Holiday
Billie Holiday, the American jazz singer affectionately known as Lady Day.
Though she struggled with many issues in her lifetime, including drug and alcohol addiction, her musical artistry is highly acclaimed, and her works that protest racial discrimination are especially popular.
Strange Fruit is one of her most representative pieces addressing racism, and its lyrics—evoking the famously somber Gloomy Sunday with their distinctive structure and dark content—leave a powerful impression.
Lester Leaps InCount Basie
Alongside Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, Count Basie was a musician who energized swing jazz and big band music.
Because of the era he was active in, many people may think of his work as mostly orthodox jazz, but he actually released some adventurous pieces as well.
One of them is Lester Leaps In.
It’s an extremely fast-tempo work with intricate craftsmanship that weaves in dissonance.
Be sure to check it out.
Body and SoulColeman Hawkins
The saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, from Missouri.
Although he was a contemporary of musicians like Glenn Miller and Count Basie—figures from the golden age of swing jazz—he continued to thrive throughout his life in the realm of bebop.
His signature piece, Body and Soul, is also noted for its contemporary jazz aspects, and the introductory phrases in particular evoke elements shared with today’s contemporary jazz.
Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New (11–20)
I Got RhythmEric Reed
Eric Reed is a jazz musician who plays piano in the jazz ensemble Black/Note, formed in 1991.
A pianist known for his flowing touch, he is highly acclaimed not only for his musicality but also for his technical prowess.
His piece “I Got Rhythm” is one of his signature works—crafted with a highly complex structure and considered a quintessential example of contemporary jazz.
The introductory phrase is often used in commercials, so many of you may find it familiar.
I Can’t Stand The RainCassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson, an American jazz singer known for her smooth vocals, is truly captivating.
Her version of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” is a song originally released in 1973 by soul singer Ann Peebles.
Ann’s original leans more toward soul and blues than jazz, and it even has shades that evoke ’60s rock.
Cassandra’s version, on the other hand, has a distinctly different flavor—darker in tone compared to the original, with a stronger jazz and blues feel.
In either version, the strength of the melody really shines.
AngstBrad Mehldau
Brad Mehldau is an American jazz pianist known for composing the music for the films Space Cowboys and My Wife Is a Gangster.
He often incorporates rock elements into his work, making him a distinctive figure among jazz pianists.
His renowned piece Angst, despite its simple instrumentation of drums, double bass, and piano, offers a rich variety of tones through its complex development.
A Night In TunisiaDizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie, a jazz trumpeter from South Carolina known for his dynamic performances, gained widespread popularity.
Alongside artists like Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins, he played a major role in spreading bebop, and his work continues to command respect from many jazz musicians today.
Among his pieces, the one I particularly recommend is A Night in Tunisia.
At first, it may sound like an orthodox big band, but if you listen closely, you can sense shades of contemporary jazz in the bass line.