Straight-ahead Jazz

Straight-ahead jazz is a subgenre characterized by its adherence to traditional jazz principles, emphasizing strong melodies, complex harmonies, and improvisation within a structured framework. Emerging in the 1980s, it drew from the bebop and hard bop traditions of the 1940s-60s, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and a revival of classic jazz values. During its 1980s-90s heyday, straight-ahead jazz flourished as a reaction to the commercialism of smooth jazz and the avant-garde experimentation of free jazz. This genre celebrates the artistry of individual musicians, often featuring virtuosic instrumentalists and nuanced vocalists. With its roots in African-American musical heritage, straight-ahead jazz pays homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of jazz expression. It differs from other styles in its commitment to musical storytelling, lyrical depth, and a dynamic balance between composition and improvisation, setting it apart from more experimental or commercially driven forms of jazz.

Latest Straight-ahead Jazz Release
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Wynton Marsalis
Kenny Burrell
Cole Peers trio
Gene Hart Trio
Tim Franks Trio
Top Playlists
Smooth Jazz Piano 5 Straight-ahead Jazz artists
The Sound of Russian Modern Jazz 3 Straight-ahead Jazz artists
The Sound of Swiss Jazz 2 Straight-ahead Jazz artists
The Sound of Italian Contemporary Jazz 2 Straight-ahead Jazz artists
The Sound of Kora 1 Straight-ahead Jazz artist
The Sound of Russian Jazz 1 Straight-ahead Jazz artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 88 Straight-ahead Jazz artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 1,627 releases .

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

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