If you love jazz music, you need to be listening to these albums. Jazz is one of the most important music genres we have had in the last century, serving as a bridge between traditions and experimentation in art. As the world has changed over the years, so too has jazz – adapting to the times, constantly in rebirth.
This playlist is a collection of some of the best jazz and cinematic music released by independent artists. The music is perfect for a variety of occasions, including relaxing or studying, but also makes for a great background at parties or gatherings.
There’s nothing better than finding a new artist or band that you connect with on a deep level. It can be hard to find that perfect blend of sound, lyrics and emotion in one album though. That’s why we’ve put together this playlist of jazz and cinematic music released by independent artists.
We’ve searched high and low for the best new releases in jazz culture so you don’t have to! We’ve got everything from instrumental tracks to full albums with vocals–there’s something for everyone here!
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) DAVIDE ANNIBALLI – Interlude
DAVIDE ANNIBALLI is a composer and producer from Italy, based in Pesaro. His new single “Interlude” is a cinematic masterpiece that will take you on a journey through classical music, acoustic guitar, cinematic soundtracks and some classic sounds that will make you take a trip out to another dimension.
This is a short piece of solo piano music that takes the form of a central part with some dissonance surrounded by a melodic part. Really well mixed and produced, sounds just amazing. It’s perfect for a day at home cooking or doing chores. It’s relaxing but intriguing at the same time.
It has an easy-listening vibe with some edgy undertones that make it perfect for those who want something more than just classical music but don’t want something too loud or distracting either.
It’s the kind of song that would fit perfectly into a movie scene where the main character is studying for their final exams or a villain getting what he wants in a drama movie.
If you’re looking for something new to listen to this week, check out “Interlude” by Davide Anniballi on Spotify and youtube also, there is an intriguing but interesting music video for this song that I think you should check out!
2) JULIANO – Lamento
Juliano is a German-based composer who specializes in instrumental music. His latest single, Lamento, is a cinematic masterpiece that will transport you to another time and place.
Juliano is a German composer who has taken the classical genre and made it his own, creating sounds that are at once ethereal, cinematic, and nostalgic–but also fresh and new. The single “Lamento” is an example of this.
This song is inspired by the current state of the world. It is a tribute to the people who suffer from war and fight for their freedom and human rights with this piece. Throughout this composition, we are reminded of the right to freedom and the right to live in safety.
It’s the perfect mix of classical and cinematic sounds that will help you zone out while also keeping your mind sharp. It’s amazingly well-produced. There is so much depth into this song, Juliano put a lot of work into this one and it came out great!
It’s like being transported back in time when people listened to music on vinyl records and hung out on their front porches drinking lemonade while they waited for their parents to come home from work.
Juliano’s other songs are just as good! Check out his website for more information about his work, and follow him on Spotify.
3) ALEC BERLIN – Minir Maad
If you’re a fan of alt-rock, AOR, indie rock, retro guitar and/or rock pop, then you should check out the new single from Alec Berlin.
His new single Minir Maad is an anthemic piece of music that features some slick guitar work and great harmonies. It’s perfect for those who love classic rock but don’t want to listen to anything too heavy or dark. Having an instrumental style makes it the perfect soundtrack for your special occasion.
Alec Berlin is one such artist. His single “Minir Maad” is a perfect example of what makes him unique: an indie rock sound with a classic twist. Berlin has been involved in the NYC music scene for more than 25 years. In addition to playing with Green Day, Rob Thomas, Elton John, and James Taylor, he performed on stages ranging from small downtown clubs to Radio City Music Hall.
Imagine this: The desert is empty at sunset when you are alone. The thought of making it this far wasn’t in your head. It doesn’t seem like you have much time left. You know that you will have to fight – against your enemies, against the clock, and against Nature herself. You’ll get home again if everything goes according to plan. This is Minir Maad!
This single has everything you could want: retro guitar riffs; cinematic instrumentals that make you feel like you’re watching an epic movie soundtrack
So if this sounds up your alley–or if maybe it doesn’t quite fit into any category other than “awesome”–check out Alec Berlin’s website where he promotes his music directly or follow him on Spotify!
4) LILLY & GEORG WITSCH – ‘S Lebn
At the Deutscher Rock und Preis they won 1st place in the Deutscher Rock&Pop Preis, “Most talented dialect interpreters 2021” and 2nd place for each “German Singer/Songwriter Award (Best Solo Singer)” and “Most Outstanding CD Album of the Year (German-speaking)”.
The music of S’Lebn is somewhat surprising despite one’s expectations of Bavarian musicians. The material doesn’t contain homeland folklore, songwriter content, thigh-slapping songs, or Schmonzetten.
This album makes you feel like you’re listening to a whole band rather than a duo. It has a unique combination of jazz, pop, and soul music.
Lilly and Georg Witsch have presented a variety of songs with flat synthesizer carpets, chic wind instrument sets, and accordion parts.
We can imagine that listeners would make curious faces at a jazz bar when a fantastic song like “Raindrops” comes into the loudspeakers! In contrast, drumbeats and birdsong open “Sommer”, Kenny Dorham’s warm ballad that incorporates a tenor saxophone and an original template called “Blue Bossa”.
It’s just magic, check it out, visit their website and follow them on Spotify.
5) ALEX ZETHSON – Room With A View
Alex Zethson is an independent artist from Stockholm, Sweden. His single “Room With A View” is a country-folk-jazz-chillout song that has been described as “cinematic” and “classical.”
It’s got a Nordic-based culture feel to it, with the classic sound of folk and jazz combined with the pop sensibilities of power pop and rock pop–all wrapped up in a retro guitar groove.
The song is super edgy yet super catchy, with a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time. It’s got a bit of an alt-rock vibe but also has a lot of pop elements too–it’s got a similar sound to Duster!
The rest of the song continues with this kind of laid-back vibe–it’s perfect for relaxing or studying while still being catchy enough that you won’t get bored listening to it over and over again.
Torbjörn Zetterberg (bass) and Konrad Agnas (drums) lay out a stripped-down groove, complemented by Toorell’s sparkling acoustic guitars. Zethson adds warm synth organ chords and floating MS20-synth lines, first addressing a choral-like theme, followed by some passionate solo swirling, perhaps reminiscent of Alice Coltrane’s infinite organ explorations.
If you’re looking for something relaxing and refreshingly different from what’s currently on the charts right now, then check out Alex Zethson’s website or follow him on Soundcloud!
6) D’Z – One Ft Ben Matthews
An uplifting tune with a high-octane beat that reminds us that we are all connected! You’ll feel like you’re back in the Earth, Wind & Fire era, mixed with acid-jazz vibes from Incognito.
This song has an undeniable dance vibe thanks to the incredible contributions of drummer/composer/producer d’Z. There was also some magic added to the night by featured artist Ben Matthews from Down Under.
Using his black and white keys, Ben reacts to the vocalists’ vital message with an exciting solo.
ONE is a must-listen, feel-good sensation played by real musicians on real instruments!
The production on this track is stellar: it’s crisp and clear without being too overproduced or sterile sounding. If you’re looking for something upbeat that will get everyone dancing at your next party or event, this is definitely worth checking out! Visit the artist’s BandCamp and follow him on Spotify.
7) RUSS HEWITT – Chasing Horizons
Russ Hewitt’s new album Chasing Horizons is a collection of songs that reflect his love for jazz and world music. Each song features a different style of music–from gipsy to classical–and they all have one thing in common: they’re super catchy!
There were almost four years involved from beginning to end in the development of this project, Chasing Horizons.
There are a number of backing musicians and guest artists contributing to this instrumental nylon string guitar music, which is influenced by Spanish/Latin influences.
If you’re looking for something relaxing but still upbeat enough to keep your ears entertained while you work or drive around town, this album is perfect for you.
Our favourite track is Chasing Horizons. The rest of the album continues in this same vein: each song has its own unique sound but still feels connected thanks to the fact that they were all idealised by Russ Hewitt himself! Check it out, visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
8) RAYNALD GRENIER – Doux Instants
With “Doux Instants”, Raynald Grenier brings his powerful and captivating piano solo to the forefront of this soul-stirring brand-new single. This piano solo track is the first in the artist’s ‘The Piano Solo Collection’ series. It is a unique addition to his discography that previously included albums composed for full orchestras.
Raynald Grenier remains unrivalled when it comes to composing tracks that spellbind audiences to the likes of Andrew Lloyd Weber, John Williams, and Ennio Morricone. The song ‘Doux Instants’ was released on November 21st, 2022, and evokes feelings of healing, soothing, and relaxation.
Having an inimitable harmonic structure and melody, “Doux Instants” is a track that will capture the hearts and minds of many.
Throughout his career, Raynald has held the belief that music is ‘the most potent antidote to all the ills of this world.’ His soothing instrumental track is part of his attempt to build bridges of understanding between people through a universal language. Check it out, visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
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