WHRV Host Jae Sinnett knows jazz. As a performer, composer and music educator himself, he knows what makes jazz work and what makes it exceptional. What are the best jazz albums of last year? Check out his top picks. 

1. Carlos Vega – Art of the Messenger – Origin

2. Jon Gordon – Stranger Than Fiction – Artist Share

3. Kenny Garrett – Sounds From the Ancestors – Mack Avenue

4. Alon Farber Hagiga - Reflecting on Freedom – Origin

5. Chick Corea Akoustic Band – LIVE – Concord

6. Oliver Leicht – A_Trak_Some Songs – Float Music

7. Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trios – Songs From My Father – Whaling City

8. Helen Sung & Harlem Quartet – Quartet + - Sunnyside

9. Antonio Adolfo – Jobim Forever – AAM Music

10. Steve Million – What I Meant To Say – Origin


Honorable Mention

Bob Mintzer & WDR Big Band – Soundscapes – MCG Jazz

Randy Brecker – Eric Marienthal – Double Dealin – Shanachie

Nate Smith – Kinfolk 2: See the Birds – Edition Records

Angel Roman & Mambo blue – Festive Interplay 

Ben Allison – Moments Inside – Sonic Camera Records

Mike LeDonne – It’s All Your Fault – Savant

Mercer Hassy Orchestra – Don’t Stop the Carnival

Gabor Lesko – Earthway – Creativity’s Paradise Music

Billy Test Trio – Coming Down Roses – ATM

Christian McBride & Inside Straight – Live at the Village Vanguard – Mack Avenue

Baylor Project – Generations – Be A Light


Jae Sinnett hosts Sinnett in Session, The R&B Chronicles, and Students in Session on WHRV FM. He also shares his love of the culinary arts on Cooking with Jae on Facebook every Sunday at 6 p.m. Plus, catch up with past episodes