Best Jazz of 2025 (S5 | E270)
Jazz New York
On this episode we are looking back at a monumental year for the music. 2025 was a year where the veterans showed us they’ve still got plenty to say, and the new guard proved that the future of the scene is in very capable hands. From the hushed corners of Teaneck studios to the vibrant energy of the West Village, these are the records that defined our city over the last twelve months. We’re kicking things off with a beautiful collaboration between vocalist Yukimi and bassist Harvie S, followed by the soaring sax of Nick Biello and a masterclass from Alan Broadbent. This is the Best of 2025.
Featured Tracks
Yukimi & Harvie S – “I Believe in You” & “Pick Yourself Up”: We open and close this set with the delicate interplay of voice and bass. These tracks from the album I Believe in You provide the perfect bookends for a late-night session, offering a blend of intimacy and timeless standards.
Charlie Porter – “Sketch III” & “Divergent Paths”: Porter’s presence is felt throughout the playlist. Whether it’s the atmospheric exploration of Portland Sketches or the narrative weight of “Divergent Paths” from Immigration Nation, his trumpet serves as a guiding light through complex musical landscapes.
Nick Biello – “Bel Canto”: From the album New America, this track brings a lyrical, soaring energy that bridges the gap between traditional jazz roots and a modern, urban pulse.
Best Jazz of 2025 (S5 | E270)
| Song | Album | Artists | Release | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Believe in You | I Believe in You | Yukimi;Harvie S | 1/3/25 | Rvs |
| Bel Canto | New America | Nick Biello | 6/20/25 | La Reserve Records |
| Another Time | Threads of Time | Alan Broadbent | 6/27/25 | Savant |
| The Mind’s Eye | The Mind’s Eye | Alex Tremblay | 1/17/25 | La Reserve Records |
| Sketch III | Portland Sketches | Charlie Porter;Andrew Jones;Mike Gamble;Darian Anthony Patrick | 5/14/25 | PHP Records |
| Concert Études for Trumpet: No. 5, Fantaisie | Twenty Concert Études for Trumpet – Archival Recording | Charlie Porter | 3/14/25 | PHP Records |
| Divergent Paths | Immigration Nation | Charlie Porter | 11/15/25 | PHP Records |
| Message To Miles | Message To Miles | Joris Teepe | 3/28/25 | G2 Records |
| There You Are | Jessamine | Tony Davis | 11/14/25 | La Reserve Records |
| Our Time | Mythology | Steve Johns | 1/17/25 | SteepleChase |
| Tres Palabras | Cartas Sonoras | Tony Glausi;Lucía Gregorio | 11/11/25 | Outside In Music |
| Shadow | Weekend at Smalls | David Kikoski;Joe Martin;Billy Hart;Randy Brecker | 9/26/25 | Cellar Live |
| Pick Yourself Up | I Believe in You | Yukimi;Harvie S | 1/3/25 | Rvs |
Thank you thank you stations we love!
WHO’S ON OUR PLAYLIST
David Kikoski, Joe Martin, Billy Hart, & Randy Brecker – “Shadow”: A heavy-hitting ensemble captured in the “Weekend at Smalls” series. This is high-level communication between masters, delivering a nine-minute odyssey that demands a glass of something neat and your full attention.
Tony Glausi & Lucía Gregorio – “Tres Palabras”: A moment of pure romanticism. This cut from Cartas Sonorasbrings a beautiful, melodic warmth to the playlist, proving that the Nightfly always has room for a classic ballad.
This playlist captures the essence of The Nightfly by balancing technical brilliance with emotional depth. It moves from the ethereal “There You Are” by Tony Davis to the driving, mythological sounds of Steve Johns’ “Our Time,” ensuring that the listener is never stationary, even when the rest of the world is.
