The 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2005
Jump back 20 years, listen to the best jazz albums of 2005, and hear the state of the art. It was an era of brilliant veterans and bold, new innovators.
jazz
Lonnie Johnson’s Guitar Genius Is the Star on ‘Blues & Ballads’
The re-release of Lonnie Johnson in 2025 suggests that audiences can still draw inspiration from the painful past with hope for the present and future.
Phillip Golub Experiments with Loops on Mesmerizing LP
Loop 7 is yet another in a series of ambitious experimental projects from Phillip Golub and another stunning home run for Joseph Branciforte.
Laura Nyro Was New York’s True Earth Mother Diva
Laura Nyro’s catalogue confirms an admirable range that extends far beyond her mythic status as New York’s earth mother diva with a ‘60s urchin soul.
Savoir Faire Creates a Stunning Blend of Existentialism and Retro Noir
Savoir Faire creates music for all ages and generations, made with skill and panache, eyes looking back with longing and forward with hope.
Legendary Ebo Taylor Creates a ‘Jazz Is Dead’ Album
In this ‘Jazz Is Dead’ celebration of highlife legend, Ebo Taylor, a genuinely appreciative team revels in everything he’s done in the past six decades.
Sun Ra Arkestra Triumph with ‘Lights on a Satellite’
Sun Ra Arkestra’s sonic vision transcends time for these keepers of the cosmic flame, and that vitality comes through on Lights on a Satellite.
Drummer Silvan Strauss Makes Cool Chill-Hop on ‘Flukin”
Silvan Strauss moves between fresh air and outer space, electronic signals, acoustic strings, and flutes, everything blended in barely tangible combinations.
Laura Nyro’s Complete Musical Story Shows Her Genius
Those unacquainted with Laura Nyro might be surprised at how familiar she sounds. That’s because she has influenced so many contemporary musicians.
‘Bill Evans in Norway’ Is a Brilliant Recording No One Knew Existed
When Bill Evans was at his best and with excellent musicians backing him up, he was unbeatable and loved by millions. This recording confirms his greatness.
When “Hocus Pocus” Guitar God Jan Akkerman Went Kind of Blue
Jan Akkerman’s discography is vast and ranges from rock to jazz to classical works, several including solo performances on the guitar forerunner, the lute.
The Greyboy Allstars Drop a ‘Grab Bag’ of Goodies
The Greyboy Allstars’ Grab Bag: (2007-23) is a vibrant collection of previously unreleased tunes showing off the mad skills of these San Diego groove masters.