Meshell Ndegeocello: The Omnichord Real Book (Blue Note)

Meshell Ndegeocello’s debut album for Blue Note won her the inaugural Grammy for Best Alternative Jazz Album – and for very good reason. This isn’t jazz in a ‘straight ahead’ sense, rather the bassist and vocalist brings a deeply jazz attitude to a collection of songs, instrumentals and collaborations that are unified by groove. This is a great album for jazz curious fans of soul, R&B and hip-hop to broaden their listening.

For lovers of: soul, grooves, collaboration

Read on: Meshell Ndegeocello doesn’t play jazz – she writes Black American Music

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Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, Tyshawn Sorey: Compassion (ECM)

The storied ECM label has built its name on records like “Compassion” – the second album from the trio led by pianist Vijay Iyer. This is smart, searching music that feels lithe and adventurous but also grounded and earthy. Fans of neoclassical music will love the moments of stillness, whilst the driving energy of tracks like “Overjoyed” are begging for a snappy, stylish movie to soundtrack.

For lovers of: soundtracks, big skies, explorations, daydreaming

Read on: Compassion – Album Story

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Donald Byrd: Places and Spaces (Blue Note)

One of Pharrell Williams’ favourite albums of all time – in 2012, he even published a photo book with the title “Places And Spaces I’ve Been”, referencing this mid-1970s soul jazz classic produced by the legendary Mizell Brothers. It’s one of those albums that you play to people who say they’re not into jazz at all, but then see them nodding their head and tapping their feet to those infectious grooves.

For lovers of: dance parties, 1970s R&B and funk, Blaxploitation movies

Read on: How George Butler took Blue Note Records ‘Sky High’

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Cannonball Adderley: Somethin’ Else (Blue Note)

So you want to get into jazz; you bought the essential album, Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” now what? In 1958, alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley was in the driving seat for a Blue Note session which harnessed all the raspy cool of Miles Davis but with added blues. “Somethin’ Else” mixes fresh takes on classic standards – the moody rendition of the often hackneyed “Autumn Leaves” is stunning – with original numbers (Miles Davis wrote the title track). While “Kind of Blue” can make a solid claim to be ‘best album of all time’ Adderley’s deserves a place right next to it in your collection.

For lovers of: blues, classic jazz, wearing sunglasses at night

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Alice Coltrane: Journey Into Satchidananda (Impulse!)

Alice Coltrane’s music has been heavily rediscovered over the past few years, and this is the perfect album to get into her catalogue. Originally released in 1971, this spiritual jazz classic prominently features Coltrane’s late husband’s pupil, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. It’s a meditative fusion of post-bop and modal jazz with Indian classical music and Eastern instrumentation.

For lovers of: healing harp sounds, Nag Champa incense sticks, yoga & meditation

Read on: The Art of… Jazz Harp

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Nina Simone: Great Women of Song (Verve)

Nina is arguably the greatest jazz singer the world has ever seen, and this is a sure-shot compilation of some of her best works. Her music can be life-changing, and she has influenced everyone from Elton John to Madonna, Adele to David Bowie, Lauryn Hill to Lana Del Rey. If you’re not familiar with her catalogue at all, just start right here.

For lovers of: good music

Read on: The Soul of Miss Simone

Need more ideas?

Try these hand picked collections from the Everything Jazz team.

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_{Header photo: Donald Byrd. Francis Wolff/Courtesy of Blue Note Records.}