RAG MusicJazz
Lovely jazz
search

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

Modern jazz began with 1940s bebop and has pushed the boundaries of musical possibility through innovative expression.

Musicians of the time moved beyond traditional swing, employing complex harmonies, rhythms, and improvisation to forge a completely new musical world.

The rich sonic landscapes created by instruments such as jazz guitar, piano, and saxophone continue to captivate music fans to this day.

In this article, we’ll introduce a number of classic albums that let you fully savor the appeal of modern jazz.

Even if you’re interested in jazz but aren’t sure where to start, you’re sure to discover exciting new music.

Playlist

[For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1eastAcknowledgementJohn ColtraneA prayer to God, John Coltrane’s masterpiece “A Love Supreme.”
2eastMoanin’Art Blakey & The Jazz MessengersArt Blakey is a jazz drummer…
3eastKind of BlueMiles DavisAs a trumpeter who symbolizes the history of jazz…
4eastWaltz for DebbyBill EvansBill Evans in 1961 Manhatta...
5eastBetter Git It in Your SoulCharles MingusCharles Mingus’s classic album “Mingus”
6eastSomethin’ ElseCannonball AdderleyA masterpiece by Cannonball—beautiful and dynamic.
7eastBlue TrainJohn ColtraneThe classic song 'Moment’s Notice' is...
8eastBouncin’ With BudBud PowellBud Powell, a treasure of bebop
9eastCherokeeClifford BrownClifford Brown’s masterpiece: the essence of jazz
10eastOut To LunchEric DolphyAn innovative masterpiece of modern jazz, Dolphy’s posthumous work
11eastThe SidewinderLee MorganA thrilling jazz classic: Lee Morgan’s masterpiece
12eastSt. ThomasSonny RollinsJazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins ni...
13eastCool Struttin’Sonny ClarkIt’s always mentioned as a quintessential masterpiece representing Blue Note…
14eastAutumn LeavesBill EvansAn innovative masterpiece by a jazz trio, captivating for its interplay
15eastLonely WomanOrnette ColemanAn innovative work that changed the future of jazz
16eastA Night in TunisiaArt Blakey & The Jazz MessengersArt Blakey’s classic album—blazing hot jazz!
17eastSong For My FatherHorace SilverHorace Silver’s classic album
18eastGiant StepsJohn ColtraneThe masterpiece by jazz innovator Coltrane
19eastMaiden VoyageHerbie HancockDebuting on the Blue Note label, Mai...
20eastBrilliant CornersThelonious MonkThelonious Monk was an American jazz pi...
21eastMy Favorite ThingsJohn ColtraneColtrane’s masterpieces, the allure of jazz
22eastSomethin’ ElseCannonball AdderleyCannonball, the alto sax player…
23eastNow’s The TimeCharlie ParkerCharlie Parker is an alto saxophonist...
24eastBack At The Chicken ShackJimmy SmithJimmy Smith's classic soul-jazz album
25eastRefugeAndrew HillA modern jazz masterpiece with a moving sonic world
26eastWe Get RequestsOscar PetersonOscar Peterson is one of the foremost figures in the jazz world...
27eastThe Scene ChangesBud PowellJazz pianist Bud Powell's new...
28eastHelen MerrillHelen MerrillA female vocalist with an alluring husky voice...
29eastQuiet KennyKenny DorhamKenny Dorham was a jazz trumpet playe...
30eastStandards LiveKeith Jarrett TrioIn 1987, jazz pianist Keith J…
31eastTake FiveDave Brubeck QuartetPianist Dave Brubeck sax...
32eastArt Pepper Meets the Rhythm SectionArt PepperSaxophonist Art Pepper in 1957…
33eastSpeak No EvilWayne ShorterEven today, it continues to be loved by jazz musicians…
34eastGroovyRed GarlandJazz pianist Red Garland…
35eastChet Baker SingsChet BakerJazz trumpeter Chet Bae…
36eastSoul StationHank MobleyTenor saxophonist Hank Mobley...
37eastSonny Side UpDizzy GillespieDizzy Gillespie puffed out his cheeks full and...
38eastFull HouseWes MontgomeryJazz guitarist Wes Montgomery…
39eastBlue’s MoodsBlue MitchellAs the title suggests, the vibe of Blue Mitchell’s...
40eastStudy In BrownClifford BrownJazz trumpeter, Clifford ...
41eastMidnight BlueKenny BurrellThe renowned jazz guitar virtuoso, Kenny Burrell’s signature...
42eastBass On TopPaul ChambersAs the album title suggests, bassist Paul...
43eastGoDexter GordonAmong saxophone albums, it’s said to be an all-time classic…
44eastLee Morgan Vol.3Lee MorganHe was just 18 years old when this album was released...
45eastWhen Farmer Mets GryceArt FarmerArt Farmer is a trumpet player…