[For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With

AcknowledgementJohn Coltrane

A Love Supreme, Pt. I – Acknowledgement

A giant of the jazz world, saxophonist John Coltrane is known for expressing his spiritual quest through music in the work A Love Supreme.

Released in 1965, this album is a four-part suite imbued with gratitude and prayer to God.

It achieved great commercial and critical success and is highly praised by Rolling Stone magazine as well.

Marked by a tension and sacred atmosphere that belie its one-take recording, the performance—like a dialogue of souls among the band members—is breathtaking.

It’s the perfect record for those who want to experience the depth of jazz improvisation or immerse themselves fully in music.

Listen closely to this epic sonic story.

Moanin’Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – Moanin’

Art Blakey is a jazz drummer.

“Moanin’” is an iconic Blue Note track and is considered to have established the genre of hard bop–style funky jazz.

The studio album of the same title that includes this track was released in 1958.

Kind of BlueMiles Davis

Miles Davis – So What (Official Audio)

This album, released in 1959 by Miles, a trumpeter renowned as an emblem of jazz history, is sometimes referred to in Japan as the work of the “Emperor of Jazz.” It is regarded as a masterpiece that holds an unshakable place in modern jazz.

From its release to the present day, it has remained an exceptional long-selling work in the jazz genre.

Waltz for DebbyBill Evans

Waltz for Debby (take 1) (Alternate Take)

This album features recordings of the sessions Bill Evans performed at the Village Vanguard, a jazz club in Manhattan, in 1961.

The title track, “Waltz for Debby,” is a piece dedicated to Evans’s niece and became widely known through the performance on this album.

It has been especially beloved in Japan and has been certified as a Gold Disc by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Better Git It in Your SoulCharles Mingus

Better Git It in Your Soul

Charles Mingus, renowned as a bassist and composer, created Mingus Ah Um—an album universally celebrated as a modern jazz masterpiece.

It opens with a passionate performance infused with gospel fervor, then flows into a wistful melody dedicated to legendary players, instantly drawing listeners into its world.

In addition to being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the album is notable for including politically satirical pieces.

Its appeal lies not only in jazz’s raw energy but also in its profound storytelling.

Highly recommended if you’re looking to feel energized by a powerful sound!

Somethin’ ElseCannonball Adderley

Somethin’ Else

Somethin’ Else, the masterful album released in 1958 by saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, is known as a quintessential modern jazz record and continues to be loved by fans around the world.

The album famously features the great Miles Davis and is also notable as Adderley’s only Blue Note release.

Its greatest strength lies in the way it balances cool, restrained beauty with the vibrant energy characteristic of hard bop.

It works wonderfully as relaxed background music, but I also recommend giving it your full attention to savor the tension-filled performances delivered by the stellar lineup.

Blue TrainJohn Coltrane

John Coltrane – Moment’s Notice

With the inclusion of the classic ‘Moment’s Notice,’ this album likely became more famous and gained more devoted listeners, and it stands as one of Coltrane’s signature records.

The title track, ‘Blue Train,’ features a beautifully harmonized theme by John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, and Curtis Fuller.