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David Bruggink's Best Jazz Albums of 2025

By David Bruggink
January 10, 2026
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In a tumultuous year, these albums provided a shelter in the storm, with no shortage of intriguing stylistic directions and cross-pollinations. New directions in post-minimalism mingled with reimaginings of folk songs; chamber music crossed paths with modern classical and cool jazz.

Stories Of life
Triosence
Sony Music

Ce Qui Tourne Dans L'Air
Sébastien Sauvageau
Ronin Rhythm Records

Dancing With Embers
Matt Carmichael
Self Produced

The Shieling
Fergus McCreadie
Self Produced

The Playful Abstract
KALI Trio
Ronin Rhythm Records

Sunwise
Brìghde Chaimbeul
Glitterbeat/tak:til

After the Last Sky
Anouar Brahem
ECM Records

Watersong
Savina Yannatou
ECM Records

El Viejo Caminante
Dino Saluzzi
ECM Records

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