Best jazz albums 2023

Here are some of our favorite new jazz albums from this year.

Kris Davis Live at the Village Vanguard (Pyroclastic, 2023)

Kris Davis is currently at an artistic height and you can hear it on every song on this album recorded live at the Village Vanguard with turntablist Val Jeanty, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and other great musicians.

Steve Lehman – Ex Machina (ONJ/Pi, 2023)

Steve Lehman’s new album with French Orchestre National de Jazz sounds modern, blending horns and electronics with a driving pulse. 

Ambrose Akinmusire – Owl Song (Nonesuch, 2023)

Ambrose Akinmusire’s new album is challenging in its sparse trio sound with guitar and drums.

Sullivan Fortner – Solo Game (Artwork, 2023)

Sullivan Fortner alone at the piano is impressive in the tonal colors and melodic and harmonic surprises he continuously produces.

Chris Potter – Got the Keys to the Kingdome (Edition, 2023)

Tenor saxophonist Chris Potter is back at the Village Vanguard with an acoustic power quartet of contemporary masters.

Anna Webber and Matt Mitchell (Tzadik, 2023)

This duo album shows the saxophonist and pianist exploring on a virtuosic level.

Henry Threadgill Ensemble – The Other One (Pi, 2023)

Composer and conductor Henry Threadgill is beyond category as he blends strings and jazz ensemble into a very personal fusion music.

Linda Oh – The Glass Hours (Biophilia, 2023)

Bassist Linda Oh convinces with her new quintet album for voice and saxophone.

Tyshawn Sorey – Continuing (Pi, 2023)

Drummer Tyshawn Sorey digs deep into the jazz tradition on his new trio album which is a tribute to three recently departed musicians.

Mette Henriette Trio – Drifting (ECM, 2023)

Meditative with a lot of open spaces like the Nordic Scandinavian landscape is Norwegian and Sami saxophonist Mette Henriette’a new trio album with cello and piano.