modern jazz
what it is
Modern jazz is a style of jazz characterized by fast tempo, instrumental virtuosity, and improvisation based on the combination of harmonic structure and melody. This style of jazz ultimately became synonymous with bebop, as either category reached a certain final maturity in the 1960's.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make modern jazz a playlist
turn these 25 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is modern jazz?
Modern jazz is a style of jazz characterized by fast tempo, instrumental virtuosity, and improvisation based on the combination of harmonic structure and melody. This style of jazz ultimately became synonymous with bebop, as either category reached a certain final maturity in the 1960's.
What are good modern jazz albums to start with?
Try Saltash Bells by John Surman, San Francisco by Bobby Hutcherson, Historicity by Vijay Iyer, and Freak In by Dave Douglas.
Who are some women making modern jazz?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/modern-jazz/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making modern jazz, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20