The 67th Annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and jazz fans are eager to see how the genre’s stars will shine on music’s biggest night, Feb. 2, in Los Angeles. The 2025 Grammy nominations in jazz feature a rich array of talent, reflecting the genre’s evolution and diversity. 

As the new year unfolds, let’s take a look at the nominees and some standout albums from 2024 that jazz enthusiasts should keep on their radar.

In the Best Jazz Performance category, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” by Samara Joy, featuring Sullivan Fortner, is a favorite to win. Joy, who took home the Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards in 2023, is also nominated this year for Best Jazz Vocal Album with “A Joyful Holiday.” 

For an additional strong contender, “My Ideal” featuring Catherine Russell and Sean Mason stands out as a top pick.

In the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category, “Beyond This Place” by Kenny Barron, Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Jonathan Blake is expected to do well. Barron, a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, is now on his 14th nomination and could take home his first Grammy at the age of 81.

For Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, “Golden City” by Miguel Zenón is a standout. In the Best Latin Jazz Album category, “Cuba and Beyond” by Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet is a favorite. Meanwhile, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin” from Meshell Ndegeocello could make waves in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category.

As for the top jazz albums of 2024, several releases have already caught the attention of critics and listeners alike.

Charles Lloyd’s “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow” (Blue Note) features an all-star lineup, including pianist Jason Moran, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Brian Blade. The album delivers post-bop inventiveness with a soulful touch.

In Charles McPherson’s “Reverence” (Smoke Sessions Records), the legendary alto saxophonist is joined by trumpeter Terell Stafford, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist David Wong, and drummer Billy Drummond in a live recording at New York’s Smoke Jazz Club. The album, released in April, captures the timeless magic of a great live performance.

Louis Hayes’ “Artform Revisited” (HighNote & Savant Records) brings the iconic drummer’s nearly 70-year career full circle. Having played with jazz giants like Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley, Hayes’ latest project pays tribute to the golden era of bebop while showcasing his enduring influence on the genre.

Ambrose Akinmusire’s “Owl Song,” featuring guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Herlin Riley, is a potential album-of-the-year contender. Released on Nonesuch Records, this trio session demonstrates Akinmusire’s prowess as both a trumpeter and composer.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presents “The Shanghai Suite” (Blue Engine Records), a nine-movement musical exploration of Chinese culture. The album, originally composed for the opening of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Shanghai club, highlights jazz as a vehicle for transcultural exchange. The orchestra will perform live on Jan. 28 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

With so many exciting nominations and releases, 2025 promises to be another unforgettable year for jazz fans.

Robin James welcomes reader comments at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.