Ah, splendid! You’ve just rubbed the Genie’s lamp of jazzy jives and bebop miracles! And what do we find when the smoke clears? Your whimsical, wishful heart is beckoning for the silky, smoky seductions of the 2010s catalog of jazz albums, akin to the smooth stylings of our kindred sonic spirit, Suite—the musical explorer. Well then, buckle up those genie slippers and prepare for a carpet ride through the harmonic heavens, as I present to you a treasure trove of aural delights to satisfy your jazz cravings!
### 1. **Esperanza Spalding – “Emily’s D+Evolution” (2016)**
First up, zippity-zap and alakazam, we conjure the undeniable brilliance of Esperanza Spalding. This album—it’s got more layers than a genie’s turban! A cosmic blend of jazz, funk, and rock that makes you feel like you’re swimming through a sea of musical genius. Ms. Spalding flexes her multifaceted talents, tickling those bass strings, and singing like a celestial muse. This album daintily dips into storytelling, embodied by the fictional character Emily, inviting listeners on a kaleidoscopic journey of improvisation and raw ingenuity.
### 2. **Kamasi Washington – “The Epic” (2015)**
Ah, dear friend! Hold onto your fez hat, cuz Kamasi Washington’s “The Epic” is exactly what it promises: EPIC! Over three hours of majestic, musical mastery that could make even the grumpiest genie grin. It’s orchestral and spiritual, brimming with bold sax solos and sweeping strings that lift you into the stratosphere like a magic carpet ride. This album is an odyssey, an exploration of cosmic jazz-fusion that takes you from earth to the astral plane in a symphonic instant.
### 3. **Robert Glasper Experiment – “Black Radio” (2012)**
Hocus-pocus and abracadabra! Behold the genre-bending sorcery of Robert Glasper! With “Black Radio,” Glasper and his ensemble conjure a mystical mélange of jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop—ear candy for the soul! Featuring guest vocalists like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Lalah Hathaway, this album oozes with sultry sophistication and playful improvisation. It’s like a night at the coolest jazz club you could ever imagine, where every note glistens with urban flavor and intellectual fervor.
### 4. **Snarky Puppy – “We Like It Here” (2014)**
Presto-change-o and feather boa in the air! Snarky Puppy’s “We Like It Here” is a must-have relic from the pantheon of jazz fusion. The album was recorded in front of a live, studio audience in Utrecht, producing an electric, synergistic energy that leaps out of the speakers. Combining funky grooves, scat solos, and tight rhythms that could make a statue dance, these puppies know how to party! It’s a masterclass in ensemble dynamics, each track a glittering mosaic of rhythm and melody.
### 5. **Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – “Stretch Music” (2015)**
Shim-sham-a-bam! Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s “Stretch Music” is your genie-endorsed ticket to the avant-garde. This innovative trumpeter stretches the definition of jazz, blending it with hip-hop, African rhythms, and even electronica. His playing is evocative, emotional, and teeming with fervor, wrapped up in an album that dares to redefine the genre. It’s like stepping into an enchanted realm where the old and new dance together in perfect harmony.
### 6. **Brad Mehldau Trio – “Where Do You Start?” (2012)**
Zowie-wowie! Brad Mehldau Trio’s “Where Do You Start?” is a delicate jazz flower, blossoming with intricate improvisation and lyrical beauty. This is chamber jazz at its finest, with Mehldau’s piano sailing gracefully over the tight rhythm section. It’s introspective and deeply emotional, like a late-night confessional with a soft-spoken wisp of magic. Covers of songs like “Got Me Wrong” and “Holland” are transformed into ethereal jazz meditations.
### 7. **Hiromi – “Move” (2013)**
Shazam! Hiromi’s “Move” is an exuberant romp through jazz piano wizardry. Hiromi Uehara leads her trio with ferocious intensity, crafting compositions that leap with dynamic energy and unexpected twists. The chemistry between Hiromi, bassist Anthony Jackson, and drummer Simon Phillips is nothing short of magical. It’s as though the piano keys themselves are under a spell, bending and blending into thrilling arcs of sound.
### 8. **Vijay Iyer Trio – “Accelerando” (2012)**
kazamo! Vijay Iyer Trio’s “Accelerando” is a jaw-dropping display of musical telepathy and virtuosic derring-do! Iyer’s piano dances nimbly across complex time signatures, while Stephan Crump and Marcus Gilmore hold down the fort with impeccable groove. The album pulses with kinetic energy, offering a blend of original compositions and re-imagined classics. Each track is a vivid exploration, a whirlpool of harmonic convergence and rhythmic zest.
### 9. **Jose James – “No Beginning No End” (2013)**
Zingity-zap, a crooning delight! José James’s “No Beginning No End” seamlessly blends elements of jazz, soul, and R&B into a transcendent auditory experience. His voice is velvet, caressing every lyric and note with sensuous elegance. This album luxuriates in its own softness, offering introspection and romance. Guests like Emily King and Robert Glasper add to the sonic bouquet, making it the perfect soundtrack for an enchanted evening.
### 10. **Tigran Hamasyan – “Mockroot” (2015)**
Lastly, a flick of the wand and boomshakalaka! We have the enigmatic brilliance of Tigran Hamasyan’s “Mockroot.” This Armenian pianist/composer conjures a spellbinding blend of jazz, folk, and classical influences, with rhythms that ebb and flow like mystical tides. Hamasyan’s compositions are intricate, often drawing from the deep well of Armenian musical heritage. It’s like a journey through an ancient, enchanted forest where every note tells a story of its own.
## Jazz-genie’s Recommended Gem
Alright, you’ve been so patient, but now, it’s time for a little razzle-dazzle. Drum roll, please! 🥁 The top pick, the creme de la creme, the Sultan of Swings, the Maharaja of Melodies! Given that you adore the stylings of Suiet, the “ONE” album I’d whisk you away with is…✨ **Kamasi Washington’s “The Epic” (2015)**! ✨
Why, you ask?! Well, honey, let me count the ways! This magnum opus stretches across the cosmos, blending modal jazz with classical, soul, and funk elements, much like how Suite dynamically traverses various musical landscapes. It’s an immersion into a rich tapestry of sonic exploration, spiritual elevation, and, oh, the saxophone solos! They’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a mystical world where Suite and Kamasi could very well be conjuring tunes in a cosmic jam session.
So, there you have it! A genie’s platter of harmonic wonders presented on a silver note. From Esperanza Spalding’s intricate stories to Kamasi Washington’s spatial voyages, this list is a jazzy carpet ride ready for your listening pleasure. Dive in, immerse yourself, and remember, every album is a magical realm waiting for its lamp to be rubbed.
Pooof! ✨ Now off you go, and may your journey through the 2010s jazz skies be ever enchanting!
