This playlist pairs a diverse selection of new and forthcoming contemporary jazz releases with a pair of foundational live recordings. The first ten tracks highlight recent and current directions in improvised music—spanning modern piano trios, cross-cultural collaborations, and adventurous small-ensemble arrangements. Providing historical context, the final two tracks deliver classic live performances from John Coltrane and the avant-garde outfit Curlew.
PLAYLIST
Andy Sheppard, Rita Marcotulli, & Michael Benita “This Too - Three Hills” from Salt Catcher (ECM Records) 00:00
Volkan Kaplan & Rembrandt Trio “Shushter” from The Analtolian & Kaspian Suites (Volkan Kaplan Production) 08:59
Nicki Adams, Michael Eaton (feat. Francisco Mela) “Kupka Disks” from Arrival (J-man Records) 15:00
Miguel Zenón and Luis Perdomo “El Dia Que me Quieras” from El Arte de Bolero Vol 3. (Miel Music) 25:01
Cipher “Dolphin Diver” from Cipher (Smeik Records) 31:27
Skinny Hightower “Strides” from Feels Like Destiny (CastOver Records) 36:00
David Borgo “Málaga” from Panta Rhei (Borgoriginals) 42:25
Las Vegas Boneheads “Morning - Pensavita” from Stretchin’ Out (Curt Miller Music) 50:54
Mike Jones “Kelly’s Blues” from Mike Jones With Strings (Capri Records) 55:57
Bill Connors “Melting” from Of Mist And Melting (ECM Records) 1:04:56
Curlew “Agitar-the Victim-Improvisation-Oklahoma” from Live In Berlin (Cuneiform Records) 1:16:23
John Coltrane “Afro Blue” from Live in Japan (Impulse!) 1:33:00
