TERENCE BLANCHARD'S
TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2015

December 7, 2015 | by Ross Eustis

Terence Blanchard

A savvy bandleader, celebrated film composer, brilliant jazz writer and influential educator, SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director Terence Blanchard is a creative force who sits at the apex of the contemporary jazz scene.

Earlier this year, Blanchard hit the road with his new electric group The E-Collective, recording the albumBreathless (Blue Note Records), which references “I can’t breathe," the words of Eric Garner that have since echoed across the country in protest of discrimination. Those who attended the CD Release Party at SFJAZZ back in April won't be surprised that Breathless has been nominated for a GRAMMY.

Indeed, 2015 has been a busy year for the New Orleans native. And 2016 is already looking big (see Champion: An Opera In Jazz). That said, Blanchard's still had time to check out many of the year's finest releases - below are five that stood out!

Theo Croker DVRKFUNK

Jamison Ross Jamison

Luke James s/t

Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly

Hiatus Kaiyote Choose Your Weapon