In this post, we highlight the Best Jazz Albums of 2012—each one offering a unique experience that has made a significant impact on the world of jazz.
Rather than ranking them, we want to celebrate the exceptional talent of the artists behind these remarkable albums. They showcase a variety of styles and sounds that truly capture the essence of jazz. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this collection, so please feel free to share your feedback. If you have any suggestions for albums that should be included, we’d love to hear about them in the comments section below!
Best Jazz Albums 2012
Vijay Iyer Trio
Accelerando
(ACT)
Accelerando is an exciting, sophisticated album that showcases Vijay Iyer’s bold approach to jazz, combining technical brilliance with emotional depth. What strikes me most is the trio’s ability to merge complexity with groove—they create intricate, cerebral music that still pulses with life and rhythm–and that each track feels like it’s in motion, constantly shifting and evolving. Amazing.
Discover Next Vijay Iyer Trio – Compassion
Vijay Iyer: piano; Stephan Crump: bass; Marcus Gilmore: drums
Released February 24, 2012
Grass Roots
Grass Roots
(AUM Fidelity)
Grass Roots by the quartet of same name—featuring saxophonist Darius Jones, bassist Sean Conly, drummer Chad Taylor, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Harding—blends elements of free jazz, blues, and African rhythms into a cohesive, dynamic sound. Released on AUM Fidelity–one of our current favorite 15 independent jazz labels–this album showcases each musician’s ability to navigate complex improvisations while staying grounded in deep grooves and soulful melodies.
From the very first track the quartet’s chemistry is evident. Jones’ saxophone lines soar with passion and grit, while Taylor’s drumming provides a steady yet inventive rhythmic foundation. Conly’s bass and Harding’s tuba add a rich, earthy texture that gives the music a distinct, grounded feel. The album moves fluidly between energetic, driving pieces and more reflective, spacious moments.
Darius Jones: alto sax; Alex Harding: baritone sax; Sean Conly: bass; Chad Taylor: drums
Released October 9, 2012
Sam Rivers, Dave Holland, Barry Altschul
Reunion: Live in New York
(Pi)
“A historic reunion of the class Sam Rivers Trio that took place in 2007 as the culmination to radio station WKCR’s Sam Rivers Festival. Performing together for the first time in over 25 years, Rivers, Holland, and Altschul conjure the collective improvisational mastery that make them one of the most influential bands in the history of jazz.”
–Pi Recordings
Sam Rivers: tenor & soprano saxophones, flute, piano; Dave Holland: bass; Barry Altschul: drums
Released September 25, 2012
William Hooker
Channels of Consciousness
(NoBusiness Records)
Channels of Consciousness is a bold, uncompromising album that showcases William Hooker’s fearless approach to music. It’s a challenging but rewarding listen, especially for fans of free jazz and experimental soundscapes, offering a deep and thought-provoking journey through sound and expression.
Adam Lane: bass; Dave Ross: guitar; Chris DiMeglio: trumpet; Sanga: percussion; William Hooker: drums
Released September 1, 2012
Ravi Coltrane
Spirit Fiction
(Blue Note)
Spirit Fiction by Ravi Coltrane is a thoughtful and imaginative album that highlights the saxophonist’s creativity. With a mix of original compositions and carefully selected covers, Coltrane explores a wide range of sounds and emotions, blending modern jazz with a deep respect for tradition. The album features two different ensembles, allowing Coltrane to showcase both his more structured, melodic side and his freer, more experimental approach to improvisation.
Ravi Coltrane: soprano and tenor saxophone; Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone; Ralph Alessi: trumpet; Geri Allen, Luis Perdomo: piano; James Genus, Drew Gress: double bass; Eric Harland, E. J. Strickland: drums
Released July 19, 2012
Marcus Miller
Renaissance
(Concord)
Renaissance by Marcus Miller is a smooth and groovy album that blends jazz, funk, and soul into a vibrant, energetic mix. Known for his signature bass playing, Miller brings his deep, funky grooves to the forefront while also showcasing his skills as a composer and bandleader. The album is a celebration of rebirth and renewal and moves effortlessly between upbeat, funky tracks and more reflective, soulful moments, showing off Miller’s entire talent.
William Henry Marcus Miller Jr.: bass, bass clarinet, acoustic & fretless bass; Alex Han: alto saxophone; Maurice “Mobetta” Brown, Sean Jones: trumpet; Kristopher Bowers: Fender Rhodes electric piano, piano; Federico González Peña: Fender Rhodes electric piano, piano; Bobby Ray Sparks II: organ, clavinet; Adam Agati, Paul Milton Jackson, Jr., Adam Rogers: guitar; Louis Cato: drums, djembe, congas; Ramon Yslas: percussion; Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna, Gretchen Parlato, Malcolm John Rebennack: vocals
Released May 28, 2012
Henry Threadgill Zooid
Tomorrow and Sunny/The Revelry, Spp
(Pi)
Performed by his ensemble Zooid, this music is rich in texture and full of unexpected turns, driven by complex rhythms and harmonies. Threadgill, a master of creative jazz, creates a unique sound that feels so spontaneous yet carefully constructed.
Henry Threadgill: alto saxophone, flute; Liberty Ellman: acoustic guitar; Stomu Takeishi: bass guitar; José Davila: trombone, tuba; Elliot Humberto Kavee: drums
Released June 26, 2012
Jeff Parker Trio
Bright Light in Winter
(Delmark)
The trio—featuring Chris Lopes on bass and Chad Taylor on drums—plays with a seamless chemistry, moving effortlessly between tight grooves and expansive improvisations. The blend of influences is subtle yet powerful, making the album feel fresh and accessible. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted album that reveals more with every listen.
Jeff Parker: guitar; Chris Lopes: bass; Chad Taylor: drums
Released 2012
Mary Halvorson Quintet
Bending Bridges
(Firehouse 12)
Bending Bridges by the Mary Halvorson Quintet is a striking album that showcases the guitarist’s unique and inventive approach to jazz. Her quintet—featuring Jon Irabagon on saxophone, Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, John Hébert on bass, and Ches Smith on drums—delivers a sound that’s adventurous, yet deeply rooted in jazz tradition, and beautifully blends experimentation with strong melodies.
Mary Halvorson: guitar; Jonathan Finlayson: trumpet; Jon Irabagon: alto saxophone; John Hebert: string bass; Ches Smith: drums
Released May 8, 2012
Christian Scott
Christian aTunde Adjuah
(Concord)
Across 23 tracks, Christian Scott redefines what modern jazz can be, blending his New Orleans roots with a forward-thinking, futuristic approach to sound and composition. The album is both introspective and outward-looking, a journey through Scott’s own experiences and a broader reflection on the world around him, and music that speaks to both the present and the future.
Christian Scott: trumpet, siren, sirenette, reverse flugel; Matthew Stevens: guitars; Lawrence Fields: piano, Fender Rhodes, harpsichord; Kristopher Keith Funn: bass; Jamire Williams: drums | Guests Kenneth Whalum III: tenor saxophone; Corey King: trombone; Louis Fouche: alto saxophone
Released June 25, 2012
Best Jazz 2012 Albums’ List
- Vijay Iyer Trio - Accelerando (ACT)
- Grass Roots – Grass Roots (AUM Fidelity)
- Sam Rivers, Dave Holland, Barry Altschul – Reunion: Live in New York (Pi)
- William Hooker – Channels of Consciousness (NoBusiness Records)
- Ravi Coltrane – Spirit Fiction (Blue Note)
- Marcus Miller - Renaissance (Concord)
- Henry Threadgill Zooid – Tomorrow and Sunny/The Revelry, Spp (Pi)
- Jeff Parker Trio – Bright Light in Winter (Delmark)
- Mary Halvorson Quintet – Bending Bridges (Firehouse 12)
- Christian Scott – Christian aTunde Adjuah (Concord)
You want more? Listen to a selection of 40 tracks from 40 different albums all from 2012 on this Spotify playlist.
2010’s
Discover all the other 2010’s best of jazz playlists: 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010
We hope this collection encourages you to revisit these remarkable works or even find some new favorites. Jazz is all about exploration and growth, and these albums highlight its lasting influence. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share any albums you believe should be included in this Best Jazz Albums