In this post, we take a moment to spotlight the standout Jazz Albums of 2011—each one delivering a distinct and powerful experience that has left a lasting mark on the jazz landscape.

Instead of ranking these albums, we focus on honoring the incredible talent of the artists who created them. The albums on this list represent a wide array of styles and explorations that truly embody jazz. We’re excited to hear your opinions on this collection, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. If there are any albums you believe should be featured, we welcome your suggestions in the comments below!

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Best Jazz Albums 2011

Jazz rarely brings tears to one’s eyes, but here is an exception. Its music and vocals express the most dramatic human emotions ever heard on a jazz album. It reminds us of what should have never been, what should no longer exist, and that humanity can only be one.

So if one of humanity’s tragedies is its inability to recognize itself and to understand that the other is oneself, then Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleur Libres brings this tragedy to life deep within us, making it–through illumination more than knowledge–accessible essentially.

Discover more about Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleur Libres

Matana Roberts: reeds, voice; Gitanjali Jain: voice; David Ryshpan: piano, organ; Nicolas Caloia: cello; Ellwood Epps: trumpet; Brian Lipson: bass trumpet; Fred Bazil: tenor sax; Jason Sharp: baritone sax; Hraïr Hratchian: doudouk; Marie Davidson, Josh Zubot: violin; Lisa Gamble: musical saw; Thierry Amar, Jonah Fortune: bass; David Payant: drums, vibes; Xarah Dion: prepared guitar.

Released May 10, 2011

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“Akinmusire’s Blue Note debut When The Heart Emerges Glistening was released in 2011 to rave reviews. The Los Angeles Times praised his “chameleonic tone that can sigh, flutter or soar,” adding that “Akinmusire sounds less like a rising star than one that was already at great heights and just waiting to be discovered.” DownBeat described his playing as “spectacular and not at all shy — muscular, driving, with a forward sound, pliant phrasing and a penchant for intervallic leaps,” concluding that “clearly something very special and personal is at work here, a vision of jazz that’s bigger than camps, broader and more intellectually restless than blowing sessions.””
—Ambroseakinmusire.com

Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet, celeste, voice; Walter Smith III: tenor saxophone; Gerald Clayton: piano; Jason Moran: Rhodes; Harish Raghavan: bass; Justin Brown: drums

Released April 5, 2011

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Art of the Improviser is a double CD featuring two live performances from 2010. The first disc captures a trio performance at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, New York, while the second showcases Shipp’s solo piano recital at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Released on Thirsty Ear’s Blue Series, the album reflects Shipp’s ongoing exploration of his unique ability to blend swing, dissonance, and angularity with remarkable poise, making this release a comprehensive summary of all his years in jazz. Impressive.

Matthew Shipp: piano; Michael Bisio: bass (Disc One); Whit Dickey: drums (Disc One)

Released February 22, 2011

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“Planetary Unknown documents an epic occurrence, with majestic circles of creative life arcing together and synchronizing anew. The web of musical, personal and spiritual connections that brought these men together at that particular time and place is like a modern jazz parable that proclaims: all good things come to those who wait. Although they had never worked together as a group, the bond between these men—four scene-setting musicians in whose work seeds planted by John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Sun Ra, Thelonious Monk and Cecil Taylor can be heard to thrive and blossom—indeed flows long and deep.“
–AUM Fidelity

David S. Ware: tenor saxophone, sopranino saxophone, stritch; Cooper-Moore: piano; William Parker: bass; Muhammad Ali: drums

Released June 14, 2011

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Wadada Leo Smith’s Heart’s Reflections may have been somewhat overlooked, but it is truly an essential addition to any collection. The music is warm, lively, and electric. The first track, named after Don Cherry, is a twenty-minute exploration of his sonic garden, built on a simple rock rhythm and bass riff. Layered on top, four guitarists create a constantly shifting soundscape, with Smith’s electric trumpet adding depth. And that’s just the opening track of this double album!

Wadada Leo Smith: trumpet; Casey Anderson: alto saxophone; Casey Butler: tenor saxophone; Josh Gerowitz, Michael Gregory Jackson, Lamar Smith, Brandon Ross: electric guitar; John Lindberg: acoustic bass; Angelica Sanchez: piano, Wurlitzer piano; Stephanie Smith: violin; Skúli Sverrisson: six-string bass, electric bass; Mark Trayle, Charlie Burgin: laptop; Pheeroan akLaff: drums

Released May 16, 2011

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Alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa emerged in 2011 as one of the most significant jazz musicians on the American scene. His latest album Samdhi incorporates elements of progressive rock and electronic instrumentation, creating a highly personal blend where his Indian heritage is clearly expressed in rhythm and structure, contrasted with funkier undertones.

Rudresh Mahanthappa: alto saxophone; David Gilmore: electric guitar; Rich Brown: electric bass; Damion Reid: drums; “Anand” Anantha Krishnan: kanjira, mridangam

Released September 30, 2011

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Big Gurl (Smell My Dream) is the second album in Darius Jones’ Man’ish Boy series, featuring his trio with bassist Adam Lane and drummer Jazon Nazary. The album showcases Jones’ lyrical compositions and the trio’s deep improvisational connection, blending jazz with influences from hip-hop, soul, gospel, and funk.

Darius Jones: alto sax; Adam Lane: bass; Jason Nazary: drums

Released October 11, 2011

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“Tyshawn is an artist who thinks for himself, creating deeply innovative, resonant, and personal work. Simply put, he is poised to become one of this century’s most significant American musicians. What has consistently struck me about his work, above and beyond its level of technical accomplishment, is a deeply felt resonance with the materials. Even the most austere forms are brought into profound relief by the passion and conviction with which he imbues them. His work keeps broadening and deepening as he expands his arsenal of compositional techniques and continues his restless experimentation.”
–Vijay Iyer

Tyshawn Sorey: drums; Loren Stillman: alto saxophone; Christopher Tordini: bass; Todd Neufeld: acoustic guitar, electric guitar; John Escreet: electric piano, piano

Released September 27, 2011

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“A fascinating document of Keith Jarrett’s solo concert in Rio de Janeiro on April 9, 2011. The pianist pulls a broad range of material from the ether: thoughtful/reflective pieces, abstract sound-structures, pieces that fairly vibrate with energy. The double album climaxes with a marvellous sequence of encores.”
–ECM

Keith Jarrett: piano

Discover next Keith Jarrett – Piano Solos (1998-2017)

Released November 4, 2011

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This exceptional trio presents a new project by American pianist Vijay Iyer, exploring the intersection of jazz and traditional Indian music. Since his early work Iyer has consistently pushed boundaries. With this latest endeavor, he once again demonstrates the continued relevance of improvised music in the twenty-first century. Accompanied by Prasanna on guitar and Nitin Mitta on tablas, the ensemble merges the direct sounds of contemporary jazz with the nuanced intimacy of raga, achieving a sophisticated and mesmerizing balance.

Vijay Iyer: piano; Prasanna: guitar, voice; Nitin Mitta: tabla

Released February 25, 2011

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Best Jazz 2011 Albums’ List

• Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleur Libres ‎(Constellation)
• Ambrose Akinmusire – When The Heart Emerges Glistening (Blue Note)
• Matthew Shipp – Art Of The Improviser (Thirsty Ear)
• David S. Ware – Planetary Unknown (AUM Fidelidy)
• Wadada Leo Smith’s Organic – Heart’s Reflections (Cuneiform Records)
• Rudresh Mahanthappa – Samdhi (ACT)
• Darius Jones Trio – Big Gurl (Smell My Dream) (AUM Fidelity)
• Tyshawn Sorey – Oblique-I (Pi Recordings)
• Keith Jarrett – Rio ‎(ECM)
• Vijay Iyer, Prasanna, Nitin Mitta – Tirtha (ACT)

You want more? Listen to a selection of 40 tracks from 40 different albums all from 2011 on this Spotify playlist.

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2010’s

Discover all the other 2010’s best of jazz playlists: 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010

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We hope this selection inspires you to rediscover these exceptional albums or perhaps uncover some new favorites. Jazz thrives on discovery and evolution, and these records showcase its enduring impact. As always, we’re eager to hear from you, so feel free to share any albums you think deserve a place on this Best Jazz Albums of 2011 list in the comments section below!