In this post, we take a look at the Best Jazz Albums of 2013—each one providing a unique experience that has contributed to an important part of jazz history.

Instead of ranking them, we’re highlighting outstanding jazz created by talented artists who have enriched the genre. These albums showcase a range of styles and sounds that make jazz so special. We’d love to hear your opinions on this selection, so feel free to share your thoughts. If you know of any albums that should be included, please suggest them in the comments section below!

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The 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2013

Matana Roberts’ Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile is a powerful continuation of her ambitious Coin Coin series, a sprawling, multi-part exploration of African American history, identity, and memory. With this album, Roberts delves deeper into the intersection of personal and collective histories, blending free jazz, spoken word, and operatic elements into a haunting and evocative soundscape.

At the core of the album is Roberts’ alto saxophone, which moves fluidly between searing improvisation and delicate, melodic passages. Her voice, too, is an essential instrument here, always telling a story. Roberts weaves narratives of struggle, liberation, and memory throughout the album, giving voice to the stories of those who have been silenced or forgotten.

Discover next: Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens De Couleur Libres

Matana Roberts: alto saxophone, vocals, conduction, “wordspeak”; Shoko Nagai: piano, vocals; Jason Palmer: trumpet, vocals; Jeremiah Abiah: operatic tenor vocals; Thomson Kneeland: double bass, vocals; Tomas Fujiwara: drums, vocals
Released October 1, 2013

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Goran Kajfeš, the Swedish trumpeter and bandleader, leads his Subtropic Arkestra on a vibrant and eclectic journey with The Reason Why Vol. 1. This album is a joyful celebration of global influences, creating a sound that is irresistibly groovy.

From the very first note, The Reason Why Vol. 1 pulses with energy. There’s a boldness to the way the band tackles each piece, reinventing obscure gems from around the world and turning them into something entirely their own. The result is an album that’s as much a celebration of musical discovery as it is a showcase for Kajfeš’ visionary leadership.

Discover next: The Reason Why’s Original Tracks

Goran Kajfeš: trumpet, cornet, electric trumpet, crumar evi; Jonas Kullhammar: tenor and alto saxophone, flute, lyricon; Per “Ruskträsk” Johansson: baritone and sopranino saxophone, flute, piccolo flute; Mats Äleklint: trombone; Jesper Nordenström: organ, cembalo, Moog synth; Robert Östlund: organ, Roland and Moog synth, electric guitar; Andreas Söderström: electric and acoustic guitar; Johan Berthling: electric and acoustic bass; Lars Skoglund, Andreas Werliin: drums, percussion
Released February 9, 2013

Discover next Jazz in Sweden

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Without A Net is a triumphant live album by the Wayne Shorter Quartet, featuring pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade. Together, they form one of the most electrifying and intuitive ensembles in modern jazz.

Wayne Shorter, a giant of jazz, is at his creative peak here. His saxophone playing is as adventurous and emotive as ever, weaving intricate melodies and bold improvisations into every piece. But Without A Net is not just about Shorter’s brilliance—it’s about the profound connection between him and his bandmates. Perez, Patitucci, and Blade are more than just a rhythm section; they are co-conspirators in Shorter’s quest for musical exploration.

Wayne Shorter: tenor and soprano saxophones; John Patitucci: double bass; Brian Blade: drums; Danilo Perez: piano
Released February 5, 2013

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Prism marks a bold chapter in the career of legendary bassist Dave Holland, bringing together a stellar quartet featuring Kevin Eubanks on guitar, Craig Taborn on keyboards, and Eric Harland on drums. This album is a fusion of jazz, rock, and funk, a tour de force of rhythm, texture, and musical chemistry, where each player’s voice shines in a dynamic and collaborative setting.

Dave Holland: bass; Eric Harland: drums; Kevin Eubanks: guitar; Craig Taborn: piano, electric piano
Released September 2, 2013

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Somewhere by the iconic trio of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette captures the magic of one of the most celebrated groups in jazz history. Recorded live in Switzerland, this album is a testament to the trio’s unmatched chemistry, where each note feels like a conversation between musical masters. Jarrett on piano, Peacock on bass, and DeJohnette on drums create a unique sound, blending standards and improvisations with grace and power.

The trio’s ability to listen and respond to one another in real time is what makes Somewhere so remarkable. This is clearly a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the essence of jazz or the essence of a jazz trio.

Keith Jarrett: piano; Gary Peacock: double-bass; Jack DeJohnette: drums
Released May 2013

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That’s It! by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a vibrant celebration of New Orleans jazz, filled with infectious energy and a deep reverence for the city’s musical heritage. For the first time in their storied history, they’ve released an album of entirely original compositions, and the result is a joyous, foot-stomping collection.

Under the leadership of bassist Ben Jaffe, the band honors the spirit of traditional New Orleans jazz while infusing their music with fresh ideas and modern sensibilities. The horns are sharp, the rhythms are irresistible, and the band’s passion is palpable.

Ben Jaffe: tuba, double bass, banjo, percussion, backing vocals; Charlie Gabriel: clarinet, tenor saxophone, vocals; Clint Maedgen: tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, vocals; Freddie Lonzo: trombone, vocals; Joe Lastie Jr.: drums, backing vocals; Mark Braud: trumpet, backing vocal; Rickie Monie: piano, backing vocals; Ronell Johnson: tuba, piano, vocals; Jim James: backing vocals
Released July 9, 2013

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Spanning seven discs and featuring performances from various iterations of his quartet, quintet, sextet, septet, and larger ensembles, this live anthology captures Parker at his most adventurous and spiritually charged. Known for his deep involvement in the free jazz scene and his unrelenting exploration of sound, this collection presents Parker’s music in its purest form—alive, spontaneous, and deeply connected to the moment.

This anthology is not just a documentation of Parker’s work over six years, but a testament to the depth and breadth of his talent. It’s an immersive listening experience, offering moments of intense emotion, communal energy, and profound beauty.

Discover next: William Parker – Migration of Silence Into and Out of The Tone World

William Parker: bass; Lewis Barnes: trumpet; Rob Brown: alto saxophone; Hamid Drake: drums | Billy Bang: violin; Bobby Bradford: cornet; James Spaulding: alto saxophone | AMR Ensemble: Massimo Pinca: bass; Aina Rakotobe: baritone sax; Ernie Odoom: voice; Ludovic Lagana: trumpet; Philippe Ehinger: bass clarinet; Maurice Magnoni: soprano saxophone; Manu Gesseney: alto saxophone; Stéphane Métraux: tenor saxophone; Eri Yamamoto: piano; Leena Conquest: vocals; Cooper-Moore: piano
Released November 12, 2013

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Gamak is a stunning example of how diverse influences can come together to create something truly original. Mahanthappa’s vision is clear and uncompromising, and the musicianship throughout the album is top-notch. It’s jazz at its most adventurous, drawing from a deep well of traditions while pushing forward into new, uncharted territory. By the end, you’re left with a sense of awe at the sheer creativity and complexity of the music.

Rudresh Mahanthappa: alto saxophone; David Fiuczynski: electric guitar; François Moutin: acoustic bass; Dan Weiss: drums
Released January 7, 2013

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Shipp’s fearless approach to improvisation and his refusal to adhere to conventional boundaries make Piano Sutras a thought-provoking experience. By the time the album concludes, you’re left with the feeling that you’ve witnessed a profound dialogue between artist and instrument, where every moment is imbued with a sense of purpose and discovery.

Matthew Shipp: piano
Released September 24, 2013

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Brooklyn Babylon is a triumph of modern big band music, demonstrating Darcy James Argue’s ability to blend storytelling, composition, and improvisation into a cohesive, immersive experience. It’s a bold, visionary work that explores the tension between past and future, tradition and progress. With its sweeping orchestration and imaginative scope, Brooklyn Babylon feels as much like a soundtrack to a film as it does a jazz album, offering a richly detailed and emotionally resonant journey that will leave a lasting impression.

Darcy James Argue: conductor; Sebastian Noelle: acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Jennifer Wharton: bass trombone, tuba; Josh Sinton: clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, baritone saxophone; John Ellis: clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone; Sam Sadigursky: clarinet, tenor saxophone; Matt Clohesy: contrabass, electric bass; Jon Wikan: drums, surdo, cajón, shaker, tambourine, percussion; Mike Fahie: euphonium, trombone; Rob Wilkerson: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Gordon Webster: piano, electric piano, melodica; Erica Von Kleist: piccolo flute, flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, electronics; Ryan Keberle: trombone; James Hirschfeld: trombone, tuba; Matt Holman, Nadje Noordhuis, Seneca Black, Tom Goehring: trumpet, flugelhorn; Ingrid Jensen: trumpet, flugelhorn, electronics
Released April 30, 2013

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Best Jazz 2013 Albums’ List

• Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile (Constellation)
• Goran Kajfeš Subtropic Arkestra – The Reason Why Vol. 1 (Headspin Recordings)
• Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade – Without A Net (Blue Note)
• Dave Holland – Prism (Dare2 Records)
• Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette – Somewhere (ECM)
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band – That’s It! (Sub Pop Records)
• William Parker Quartet, Quintet, Sextet, Septet, Ensemble – Wood Flute Songs. Anthology / Live 2006-2012 (AUM Fidelity)
• Rudresh Mahanthappa – Gamak (ACT)
• Matthew Shipp – Piano Sutras (Thirsty Ear)
• Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society – Brooklyn Babylon (New Amsterdam Records)

You want more? Listen to a selection of 40 tracks from 40 different albums all from 2013 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 collection has motivated you to revisit these exceptional works or perhaps discover some new favorites. Jazz thrives on exploration and development, and these albums showcase its enduring impact. As always, we welcome your thoughts and invite you to share any albums you think should be featured in this Best Jazz Albums of 2013 list in the comments section below.