What is the best jazz album of the 1960s?

The 1960s exploded with jazz innovation: modal experiments, free-form improvisation, hard bop reaching its peak, and boundary-pushing artists redefining what music could be. Cast your vote for the album that captured it all.

1

A Love Supreme

John Coltrane's 1964 spiritual suite — the most important jazz album of the decade.

2

Giant Steps

John Coltrane's 1960 harmonic tour-de-force that changed saxophone playing forever.

3

Waltz for Debby

Bill Evans Trio's 1961 live classic — lyrical piano trio at its absolute peak.

4

Out to Lunch!

Eric Dolphy's 1964 avant-garde masterpiece — angular, adventurous, ahead of its time.

5

Speak No Evil

Wayne Shorter's 1964 post-bop essential with Freddie Hubbard and Herbie Hancock.

6

Maiden Voyage

Herbie Hancock's 1965 modal masterpiece — oceanic, serene, endlessly influential.

7

The Sidewinder

Lee Morgan's 1964 boogaloo hit that became Blue Note's biggest-selling single.

8

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady

Charles Mingus's 1963 symphonic jazz suite — ambitious, theatrical, profound.

9

Free Jazz

Ornette Coleman's 1961 double-quartet improvisation that named a whole movement.

10

Ascension

John Coltrane's 1966 collective-improvisation masterwork — spiritual jazz unleashed.

11

Song for My Father

Horace Silver's 1965 soul-jazz classic, later sampled by Steely Dan's 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number'.

12

The Real McCoy

McCoy Tyner's 1967 Blue Note debut after Coltrane — modal jazz at its most powerful.

13

Spiritual Unity

Albert Ayler Trio's 1964 free-jazz lightning bolt — pure raw emotional intensity.

14

Idle Moments

Grant Green's 1963 late-night Blue Note masterpiece — smoky, patient, perfect.

15

Wes Montgomery - Full House

Wes Montgomery's 1962 live album — guitar mastery with a top rhythm section.