This playlist maps a fascinating journey through the global landscape of modern jazz, effortlessly balancing vibrant tradition with daring exploration. Rich Afro-Cuban rhythms and soulful hard-bop grooves sit comfortably alongside cerebral avant-garde structures and cinematic, atmospheric textures. Moving seamlessly from intimate, reflective piano melodies to expansive, free-flowing improvisations, the collection showcases a diverse mix of established label releases and raw, self-released gems. Ultimately, it serves as a captivating celebration of the genre’s defining feature: the exquisite tension between structured composition and the freedom of spontaneous improvisation.

PLAYLIST

Altin Sencalar “One By One” from Natural Rhythm (Posi-Tone Records) 00:00

Tyshawn Sorey “Effi” from Members… Don’t! (Pi Recordings) 05:33

The Phoenix Trio - Mark Turner, Joe Martin, Marcus Gilmore “Tomorrow Is Today” from Tomorrow Is Today (Giant Step Arts) 24:12

Milton Michaeli, Asaf Shchori, Hamid Drake “For Wilbur Ware - We Travel the Space Ways” from Universal Butterfly (577 Records) 39:17

Jérémie Ternoy “Presque un pas” from Ça commence par la marche (circum-disc) 55:17

Claudio Scolari Project “Holding Still” from Lines of Now (Claudio Scolari Project / Principal Records) 1:21:58

Vladimir Redzic “I didn’t know what time it was” from First Time Around (Self Released) 1:30:55

JabFung “Respite Piano Smash” from In Real Life (Self Released) 1:37:03

Mariano Gil “108” from Echoes (ears&eyes) 1:46:32

Carlos Henriquez Big Band “Evidence of Four and One” from Monk con Clave (Self Released) 1:53:43