Here are 20 jazz fusion and nu jazz albums that stood out to us in different ways and kept us coming back. This list is, of course, just a snapshot of the music that crossed our paths this year and reflects our own tastes. If you have favorites of your own, feel free to share them in the comments.
With that, on to the albums. Hope you find something new to love here.
[1–10, in no particular order]
DONNY MCCASLIN – LULLABY FOR THE LOST
Quick Take: A fantastic, shape-shifting release: one moment you’re floating through atmospheric soundscapes, the next you’re swept into synth-laced grooves and vivid, melody-driven jazz-rock, each turn carrying a real emotional weight.
| From: New York, New York, United States RIYL/FFO: Jazz Fusion, Progressive Jazz Rock, Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Energetic, Futuristic, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “Wasteland,” “Celestial,” “Tokyo Game Show” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica | Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
WE USED TO CUT THE GRASS – WE USED TO CUT THE GRASS #2
Quick Take: We Used to Cut the Grass #2 is a beautiful mess you didn’t know you needed, combining Frank Zappa-esque satirical chaos with virtuosic jazz fusion, lounge jazz, and full orchestral arrangements.
| From: New Jersey, United States RIYL/FFO: Progressive Jazz Fusion, Progressive Rock, Avant-Garde Jazz Mood/Sound: Quirky, Dynamic, Playful, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “The Comet Is Not Coming,” “Lights, Camera, Ham!,” “The Hatman Cometh” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Progressive Jazz Fusion & Jazz Metal | Jazzy Prog Rock Instrumentals
NENE HEROINE – 4
Quick Take: Atmospheric, brooding, and rhythmically sharp, 4 has enough drive for jazz fusion fans and enough mood for the post-rock crowd. Another confident step forward for the Polish quartet.
| From: Gdańsk, Poland RIYL/FFO: Jazz Fusion, Post-rock Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Shadowy Standout Tracks: “Floating,” “Black Tattoo” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
AMERO – SIMPLY REJECT ENTROPY
Quick Take: This is technical music with a grin on its face. Jagged prog riffs and bright jazz harmonies weave through constantly shifting rhythms, giving the album an intricate yet uplifting feel. A must-hear if you’re into the sweet spot between jazz and instrumental rock/metal.
| From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada RIYL/FFO: Progressive Rock, Progressive Jazz Fusion, Jazz Metal Mood/Sound: Dynamic, Lively, Angular Standout Tracks: “Raising Alpacas For Tax Benefits,” “Cobalt-60 Jenga,” “Woe, Corgi Be Upon Ye” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Progressive Jazz Fusion & Jazz Metal | Jazzy Prog Rock Instrumentals
EBI SODA – FRANK DEAN AND ANDREW
Quick Take: A grainy, slightly disorienting yet absorbing release from the UK scene. Jazz improvisation, electronics, dub pressure, and punk attitude all bleed into each other here, giving the album a warped feel rather than a clean narrative.
| From: Brighton, United Kingdom RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Uncanny, Nocturnal Standout Tracks: “When Pluto Was A Planet And Everything Was Cool,” “Insectoid Creatures Are Infesting The Land,” “Grilly” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica | Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
KONRAD CIESIELSKI – KONIEC
Quick Take: Blending modern jazz with cold electronics and spoken word detours, Koniec strikes a perfect balance between rhythmic drive and atmospheric weight. Think Massive Attack’s Mezzanine, but with more pulse and a jazzier edge.
| From: Gdańsk, Poland RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica, Trip Hop Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Murky, Mysterious Standout Tracks: “Out Of Gravity,” “Taganana,” “To Beginning” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion | Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
YAZZ AHMED – A PARADISE IN THE HOLD
Quick Take: If you enjoy world fusion accents in your jazz, Yazz Ahmed is always a good place to start. She brings her familiar palette here as well: airy brass lines, gently rolling grooves, circular rhythmic patterns, and Middle Eastern phrasing that gives the music its distinct character.
| From: London, United Kingdom RIYL/FFO: World Fusion, Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Spiritual, Mysterious Standout Tracks: “A Paradise In The Hold,” “Though My Eyes Go To Sleep, My Heart Does Not Forget You” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
BANDLER CHING – MERCURIAL
Quick Take: A sleek, high-energy spin on nu jazz that pulls from a broad spectrum of electronic styles. It keeps the pulse lively from front to back, with sharp contours and plenty of playful detours. For anyone seeking something genuinely fresh in jazz-adjacent music, this one is an easy recommendation.
| From: Brussels, Belgium RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Vibrant, Dynamic, Atmospheric, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “P’tit Île,” “Epoustouflant,” “Long Last Love” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
MOON HOOCH, TONIO SAGAN – TOMORROW
Quick Take: This electrifying collaboration merges ecstatic horns and propulsive rhythms with deep, futuristic dubstep and EDM elements, striking a balance between trancey textures and club energy. Forward-thinking and groovy stuff.
| From: United States RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Vibrant, Pulsing, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “Wicked Ways,” “We’re Leaving Tomorrow” |
Listen: Spotify
Playlist Companion: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
CASIOPEA – TRUE BLUE
Quick Take: Tokyo legends prove they haven’t lost a step with TRUE BLUE, delivering a vibrant slice of melodic fusion that is downright infectious. With the funky, uplifting energy of standouts like “Eagle Fly Around” and “Sky So High,” this album is the auditory equivalent of driving with the top down on a sunny day.
| From: Tokyo, Japan RIYL/FFO: Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Melodic, Uplifting, Funky Standout Tracks: “Sky So High,” “Destinations,” “Eagle Fly Around” |
Listen: Spotify
Playlist Companions: Upbeat Jazz Fusion | Japanese Jazz Fusion
[11–20, in no particular order]
ILL CONSIDERED – BALM
Quick Take: With its deep, shifting low-end and tense brass lines, Balm is one of the year’s most compelling releases in the dark jazz spectrum.
| From: London, United Kingdom RIYL/FFO: Dark Jazz, Ambient Jazz Mood/Sound: Dark, Suspenseful Standout Tracks: “Satori,” “Rainbow Belts,” “Mazar” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Dark Jazz, Noir Jazz & Doom Jazz
DAOUD – OK
Quick Take: Mellow and easygoing, with slick, uncluttered sound design, Ok leaves you in a better headspace by the time it wraps up.
| From: Toulouse, France RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica, Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Spacious, Warm, Uplifting Standout Tracks: “Dijon,” “Soda,” “Loulou & The Loulous” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica | Upbeat Jazz Fusion
PYRY PELTONEN – 43440
Quick Take: Built from airy ambient rock textures and gentle jazz-influenced writing, 43440 feels like a slow exhale. Fans of mellow, cinematic soundscapes will find a lot to love here.
| From: Helsinki, Finland RIYL/FFO: Ambient Rock, Post-rock, Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Bittersweet, Mellow Standout Tracks: “Grief,” “Kulmala,” “Papinkallio” |
Listen: Spotify
Playlist Companion: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
NIECHĘĆ – RECKLESS THINGS
Quick Take: Reckless Things balances noir-tinged atmospheres with tighter, more propulsive jazztronica passages, without ever letting that density drift into excess.
| From: Warsaw, Poland RIYL/FFO: Jazz Fusion, Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Shadowy Standout Tracks: “Nowe Pluca,” “Afazja,” “Slady” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion | Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
ETCETERAL – KIMATIKA
Quick Take: A great blend of unruly free jazz and relentless motorik propulsion that is both complex and fun. Fans of The Comet is Coming or Melt Yourself Down may get a lot out of this gem.
| From: Ljubljana, Slovenia RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Experimental Electronic Mood/Sound: Lively, Angular, Improvisational Standout Tracks: “Gesualdo,” “Ljolo,” “Questions” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
L’OUMIGMAG – CE QUI TOURNE DANS L’AIR
Quick Take: Minimalism, folk color, and airy jazz phrasing all feed into a sound that feels both grounded and strangely weightless.
| From: Montreal, Québec, Canada RIYL/FFO: Folk Jazz, Avant-Folk, Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Atmospheric, Spacious, Hypnotic, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “Ce Qui Surgit,” “Ce Qui Tourne Dans L’air” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Atmospheric Jazz Fusion
MAD VANTAGE – MINUTIAE.
Quick Take: A high-impact debut that blends prog metal heft and jazz precision into something bold, groove-driven, and hard to ignore.
| From: Melbourne, Australia RIYL/FFO: Progressive Jazz Fusion, Nu Jazz / Jazztronica, Progressive Rock Mood/Sound: Energetic, Technical, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “Matriarch,” “Terrenea,” “Pervade Your Mind” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companions: Progressive Jazz Fusion & Jazz Metal | Jazzy Prog Rock Instrumentals
SML – HOW YOU BEEN
Quick Take: If you’re in the mood for something abstract, exploratory, avant-leaning, How You Been delivers. The blend of live improvisation and studio manipulation gives the album a fluid, almost dreamlike quality. Challenging in spots, but ultimately one of the most rewarding listens in this space.
| From: Los Angeles, California, United States RIYL/FFO: Avant-Garde Jazz, Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Trippy, Playful, Eclectic Standout Tracks: “Taking Out The Trash,” “How You Been,” “Daves” |
Listen: Spotify | Bandcamp
Playlist Companion: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
JIZUE – MER
Quick Take: Mer locks into Jizue’s signature mode almost immediately, with the piano driving things forward in a tight, mechanical pulse. That propulsive energy is softened by gentler cuts, adding a welcome sense of warmth and reflection. A highly enjoyable release overall, and a strong reminder of why Jizue remain one of the most established names in this space.
| From: Kyoto, Japan RIYL/FFO: Jazz Fusion Mood/Sound: Melodic, Propulsive, Warm Standout Tracks: “Rex,” “Thoth,” “Republic” |
Listen: Spotify
Playlist Companion: Japanese Jazz Fusion
LITTLEFINGERS – SNAKES & LADDERS
Quick Take: A color-rich nu-jazz release built around bright keys, relaxed rhythms, and a generous sense of space throughout.
| From: Jakarta, Indonesia RIYL/FFO: Nu Jazz / Jazztronica Mood/Sound: Melodic, Spacious, Calming Standout Tracks: “Fire Up/Go!,” “Essence” |
Listen: Spotify
Playlist Companion: Nu Jazz, Jazztronica
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