Soul Jazz

Soul jazz is a groove-oriented subgenre of jazz that emerged in the late 1950s and found its stride in the 1960s, combining elements of hard bop, blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues. It leans heavily on rich, vibrant melodies, improvisation, and features repetitive, catchy phrases, often played by organ, saxophone, or guitar. Characterized by its earthy, accessible sound, soul jazz artists focus on creating a deep groove and an emotional expression that resonates with the soul. The rhythm section typically lays down a swinging backbeat or a shuffling groove, drawing audiences into an interactive, almost danceable experience. It played a crucial role in making jazz more popular and inclusive, straddling the line between jazz sophistication and the raw expressiveness of soul, illustrated by the warm, soulful playing of musicians like Maceo Parker and the passionate vocal stylings of Nina Simone.

Latest Soul Jazz Release
undefined album image
Chameleons (Live Interpretations Of Herbie Hancock)
Ep - 6 Tracks - Released February 14, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Nina Simone
George Benson
Grover Washington, Jr.
Cannonball Adderley
Quincy Jones
James Jackson Jazz Trio
Top Playlists
The Sound of Vintage Reggae 33 Soul Jazz artists
Smooth Jazz Piano 9 Soul Jazz artists
Blues, Jazz and Funk 4 Soul Jazz artists
The Sound of Mento 4 Soul Jazz artists
Fall Jazz 4 Soul Jazz artists
The Sound of Swiss Jazz 3 Soul Jazz artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 263 Soul Jazz artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 3,905 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Soul Jazz artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. February 14, 2025
  2. February 14
  3. February 10
  4. February 7
  5. February 7
  6. February 4
  7. January 31
  8. January 31
  9. January 31
  10. January 31
  11. January 31
  12. January 30
  13. January 24
  14. January 24
  15. January 24
  16. January 23
  17. January 19
  18. January 17
  19. January 17
  20. January 17
  21. January 17
  22. January 17
  23. January 16
  24. January 10
  25. January 10
  26. January 10
  27. January 8
  28. January 7
  29. January 5
  30. January 3
  31. December 27, 2024
  32. December 27
  33. December 20
  34. December 20
  35. December 20
  36. December 20
  37. December 20
  38. December 19
  39. December 13
  40. December 6