The Best Jazz Albums of 2025

For improvised music, an inspired and inspiring year.

During this year of mayhem and malfeasance, one saving grace could be found in the music. Maybe that’s always the case — but didn’t it seem especially so in 2025? It did for me. So consider this list however you like, but I tend to see it as a lifeline.

As was the case last year, I opted not to settle for a Top 10, going instead for 12. Each pick comes w…