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Pierre Giroux's Favorite Jazz Albums of 2025

By Pierre Giroux
January 12, 2026
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The story of my selection of the top jazz albums of 2025, is, fittingly a conversation between past and present. New recordings by working bands and veteran leaders proved that the language of swing, blues and modern harmony is still being spoken with conviction, while carefully curated reissues reminded us just how deep the tradition runs. Equally compelling were the previously unheard sessions finally brought to light, offering a fresh glimpse of great artists caught in unguarded, inspired moments.Together these releases formed a rich mosaic, honouring craft, continuity and discovery in a year that reaffirmed jazz as living, evolving art.

Cinnamon Flower: The Expanded Version
Charlie Rouse
Resonance Records

Cat & The Hounds
Colin Hancock
Turtle Bay Records

Mixed Bag
Pete McGuinness
Summit Records

With a Song In My Heart: Exploring The Music of Richard Rodgers
Denny Zeitlin
Sunnyside Records

Shades of Sound
Ryan Truesdell
Outside in Music

The Slow Road
Miles Black
Cellar Music Group

Blue Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco
Kenny Dorham
Resonance Records

Ballads
Noah Preminger
Chill Tone Records

Happy Faces
David Robbins
Cellar Music Group

Tippin'
Carl Allen
Cellar Music Group

Bremen 1965
Thelonious Monk
Sunnyside Records

Cosmos Nucleus
Carlos Garnett
Time Traveler Recordings

The Free Slave
Roy Brooks
Time Traveller Recordings

Turn It Up!: Live at the Sidedoor
Mike LeDonne
Cellar Music Group

Sunset To Dawn
Kenny Barron
Time Traveler Recordings

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