Jazz
Jazz pianists ranked: these are jazz's 15 greatest magicians of the piano
Who are the best jazz pianists of all time? Here, in alphabetical order, are 15 of the greatest ivory tinkers in the history of jazz
George Gershwin wrote some of the 20th century's most joyous music. Here are seven of his best works
What are the greatest pieces of music written by the jazz-influenced classical composer, George Gershwin?
Nina Simone: how racism stopped her classical piano career in its tracks
Classical music was jazz legend Nina Simone’s first love, but she faced racism in her bid to become a leading African-American pianist, writes Roger Thomas
Ranked: the 15 greatest jazz singers of all time
Who are the greatest jazz singers of all time? We name some of the best here (in alphabetical order)
Best jazz saxophonists of all time, ranked - and the albums you need to add to your library now
Who is the best jazz saxophonist of all time? From Johnny Hodges to John Coltrane, we've had a go at ranking the top 15 - and we've recommended an essential album from each
Best jazz band leaders: 11 ensemble leaders who changed the sound of big band jazz
For over 100 years jazz music has captured the imagination of the public, with jazz bands becoming household names. Here, we name the best jazz band leaders responsible for defining, influencing and shaping the genre into what it is today.
Ella Fitzgerald: the jazz icon whose warm tone and joyous stage presence captivated audiences worldwide
Geoffrey Smith looks back at the life of an indisputable jazz legend
Rhapsody in Blue: 100 years of George Gershwin's jazz-classical marvel - and the 5 great recordings you need
In February 1924 George Gershwin gave the world premiere of Rhapsody in Blue to tumultuous applause, although some critics were not convinced...
Six of the best landmark jazz recordings
Jazz has undergone many changes of style over the last century, not least with the arrival of rock music. Neil McKim picks out some pivotal concerts
Six of the Best Jazz Film Cameos
Whether it’s breaking the tension of a thriller or adding sparkle to a musical, jazz musicians have a history of making scene-stealing cameos on the silver screen. Neil McKim explores six of the greatest
Six of the best jazz cameos in pop
Some of the greatest pop songs have benefited from the input of a jazz great. We discover some of the finest contributors...
Six of the best jazz hit singles
Neil McKim's guide to some of the biggest jazz chart hits
15 best jazz trumpet players ever
Who are the greatest trumpeters of all time? We name some of the best here (in alphabetical order)
Five of the best albums by jazz pianist Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck's rhythmic and tonal free-wheeling helped him become the epitome of 1950s and ’60s cool. We name his best recordings on disc
The best jazz albums released in 2021 so far
A list of the greatest jazz albums released in 2021, as chosen by BBC Music Magazine critics Garry Booth, Barry Witherden and Roger Thomas
4 of the best jazz guitarists ever
Geoffrey Smith explores the lives and works of four of the best jazz guitarists of all time
What is jazz music?
Destructive or redemptive, degenerate or transformative? Jazz is a phenomenon, a true world music that came of age over a hundred years ago. Here's our guide to the jazz music genre, its origins and pioneers
Best jazz songs: 9 classics you will listen to again and again
Which are the best jazz songs of all time? It's a difficult choice, says Paul McGuinness, but here's my top 10
Greatest female jazz musicians: 16 of the best
Meet some of the greatest female jazz musicians of all time
What instruments make up a jazz band?
A wide variety of instruments can make up a traditional jazz band, from pianos to saxophones. Here are the main ones...
Best Christmas jazz albums
Read our list of some of the best Christmas jazz albums ever released. Did your favourite make the cut?
Chick Corea: the music that changed me
In 2012 the late jazz pianist Chick Corea talked to Nick Shave about the music that influenced and inspired him
Obituary: Chick Corea (1941-2021)
The jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Chick Corea's career spanned five decades, as he played alongside the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Gary Burton
Pianist Deschanel Gordon announced as winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020
22-year-old Hackney-born pianist Deschanel Gordon won this year's BBC Young Jazz Musician competition in a socially distanced final at Cadogan Hall