It's been a good year for jazz, diverse in every way—styles, influences, tastes, and demographics too. I didn't aim the list to turn out this way, but four of the albums' leaders are women, and five ...

Following up on 2024's outstanding Breaking Stretch (Pyroclastic), vibraphonist Brennan shows no signs of slowing down on Of the Near and Far, an enigmatic and gripping release which highlights ...

Only Slate Plus members can gift Slate stories. Become a member to share 10 free articles a month. It’s been a good year for jazz, diverse in every way—styles, influences, tastes, and demographics too ...

I always wanted to write how Miles Davis talked: abrupt, profane, contemptuous, in a stiletto rhythm that jabbed and stung and threw off unexpected sparks of enlightenment and tenderness. Of course, ...

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The most compelling releases of the year reimagined hip-hop tracks, deep-rooted collaborations and longstanding inspirations. By Hank Shteamer In a year that saw the deaths of two leading drummers, ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... After much consternation, I’ve managed to pare down a long list of fine jazz-improv recordings from 2025 to a top 10. So, apologies to Marshall Allen, The ...

So... what kind of a year was 2025 for jazz? Well, it marked the centennial of saxophonist Gene Ammons, drummer Roy Haynes, critic Nat Hentoff, pianist Jutta Hipp ...