What is the best modern jazz album of the 21st century?

Jazz didn't die — it evolved. From Kamasi Washington's epic fusion to Robert Glasper's R&B crossover and Thundercat's electric grooves, 21st-century jazz is richer and more diverse than ever. Which modern album gets your vote?

The Epic

Kamasi Washington's three-hour 2015 debut — spiritual jazz reborn for a new generation.

1/12

We Like It Here

Snarky Puppy's 2014 live fusion album — tight, joyful, virtuosic.

2/12

Makaya McCraven - Universal Beings

Makaya McCraven's 2018 improvisation-to-production masterpiece spanning four cities.

3/12

Nubya Garcia - Source

Nubya Garcia's 2020 debut — the heart of London's new jazz scene.

4/12

Vijay Iyer Trio - Historicity

Vijay Iyer Trio's genre-spanning 2009 standard-bearer for 21st-century piano trio jazz.

5/12

BADBADNOTGOOD - IV

BADBADNOTGOOD's 2016 jazz-hip-hop hybrid featuring Sam Herring and Kaytranada.

6/12

Flying Lotus - You're Dead!

Flying Lotus's 2014 psychedelic jazz-electronic odyssey with Kendrick Lamar and Herbie Hancock.

7/12

Mary Halvorson - Meltframe

Mary Halvorson's 2015 solo guitar album — avant-garde jazz guitar's most original voice.

8/12

Ambrose Akinmusire - When the Heart Emerges Glistening

Ambrose Akinmusire's 2011 Blue Note debut announced a major new trumpet voice.

9/12

Thundercat - Drunk

Thundercat's 2017 bass-virtuoso masterpiece — funk, jazz, and pop colliding.

10/12

Shabaka and the Ancestors - Wisdom of Elders

Shabaka Hutchings's 2016 album with South African musicians — urgent, essential, spiritual.

11/12

Esperanza Spalding - Chamber Music Society

Esperanza Spalding's 2010 Grammy-winning bass-led masterwork blending jazz and classical.

12/12