Celebrate International Jazz Day and the New Orleans Jazz Festival with Elusive Disc
Jazz is more than just a genre it’s the heartbeat of America’s cultural story. This April, join Elusive Disc in Celebrating International Jazz Day and the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, two iconic moments that honor the spirit, history, and future of jazz music.
Whether you’re soaking up live performances in New Orleans or spinning classic albums at home, there’s no better time to reconnect with the powerful rhythms and improvisational soul of jazz.
Jazz is more than just a genre it’s the heartbeat of America’s cultural story. This spring, join Elusive Disc in celebrating two of the most iconic events that honor the spirit, history, and future of jazz music.
International Jazz Day is officially celebrated on April 30, 2025, a global recognition of jazz as a force for unity, creativity, and peace.
The world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns from April 24 to May 4, 2025, filling the city with unforgettable performances, legendary artists, and soulful celebrations rooted in deep musical tradition.
Whether you’re soaking up live performances under the Louisiana sun or spinning classic jazz albums at home, there’s no better time to reconnect with the powerful rhythms, improvisational brilliance, and emotional soul of jazz.
At Elusive Disc, we believe jazz should be experienced in its purest form through rich, analog sound that brings every note, breath, and beat vividly to life. Whether you’re building your collection of legendary albums or discovering emerging voices, we’re here to help you celebrate the spirit of jazz with audiophile-quality vinyl and high-resolution recordings.
This April and May, let’s honor the legends, discover the innovators, and keep the timeless groove of jazz alive one record at a time.
Explore the best in classic and modern jazz at ElusiveDisc.com.
Why Jazz Still Matters Today
Born in the heart of New Orleans, jazz is America’s original art form. It’s a musical language that transcends borders, blending African rhythms, European harmonies, and heartfelt storytelling. Jazz broke barriers, united cultures, and sparked countless musical movements from bebop and soul to rock and hip-hop.
International Jazz Day, officially recognized by UNESCO, reminds us that jazz is a universal language of freedom and creativity. It’s a day where musicians and fans around the world come together to celebrate its enduring influence and to honor its message of unity, dialogue, and innovation.
Today, artists like Kamasi Washington, Esperanza Spalding, and Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah continue to push the genre forward, proving that jazz is not just history it’s an evolving, living force.
The Spirit of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
When it comes to celebrating jazz, no place does it better than New Orleans. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or simply “Jazz Fest” has been the epicenter of musical celebration since 1970. Each year, thousands gather at the Fair Grounds Race Course to experience the best in jazz, blues, gospel, zydeco, and beyond.
The 2025 lineup is especially exciting, with performances by legendary names like Stanley Clarke N•4EVER, Nicholas Payton, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Yellowjackets,
1. Branford Marsalis
Renowned saxophonist and member of the illustrious Marsalis family, Branford Marsalis is acclaimed for his work in both jazz and classical music. With decades of genre-crossing experience, his bold improvisation, refined technique, and deep musical insight have made him a defining voice in modern jazz.
2. Diana Krall
Acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist and vocalist, recognized for her sultry voice and interpretations of jazz standards. Diana Krall is one of the best-selling jazz artists of her era, blending traditional jazz with modern sophistication. Her contralto vocals and elegant piano style captivate listeners worldwide.
3. Joshua Redman
Prominent saxophonist known for his innovative approach to jazz and collaborations with leading artists. Joshua Redman blends traditional jazz roots with modern creativity, earning international acclaim. A Harvard graduate and winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz music.
4. Kermit Ruffins
Trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins embodies the joyful spirit of New Orleans jazz, infusing every performance with vibrant energy and heartfelt tradition. A founding member of the Rebirth Brass Band, Ruffins built his career blending classic jazz roots with a lively, soulful stage presence beloved by fans worldwide.
5. Jon Cleary
British-born pianist and vocalist Jon Cleary channels the rich rhythms of New Orleans funk and R&B with authenticity and soul. Celebrated for his dynamic live shows and masterful musicianship, Cleary seamlessly blends the traditions of New Orleans with his own vibrant songwriting style.
6. Kamasi Washington
Saxophonist and visionary composer Kamasi Washington redefines jazz with expansive compositions that fuse hip-hop, soul, and classical music. Celebrated for his boundary-pushing creativity, Washington’s bold soundscapes challenge tradition while honoring jazz’s deep roots, placing him at the forefront of modern jazz innovation.
7. Esperanza Spalding
Bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding is known for her innovative approach to jazz, blending elements of soul, fusion, and contemporary classical music. With her genre-defying creativity and virtuosic musicianship, she has earned critical acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and a devoted global following.
8. Laufey
Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey merges jazz, classical, and contemporary pop influences into a distinct, emotive sound. Known for her velvety vocals and intimate songwriting, Laufey bridges timeless traditions with fresh, modern storytelling, creating music that resonates deeply with a new generation of global listeners.
9. Samara Joy
Samara Joy, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, captivates with her smooth, timeless delivery and vibrant interpretations of classic standards. Rising quickly through the jazz world, her performances evoke the spirit of legends while offering a fresh voice that resonates powerfully with today’s audiences across generations.
10. Harry Connick Jr.
Pianist, vocalist, and composer Harry Connick Jr. is renowned for blending jazz, pop, and holiday music with unmistakable New Orleans flair. A multiple Grammy Award-winner, Connick’s distinctive voice and soulful interpretations have made him a celebrated figure across both traditional jazz circles and mainstream audiences.
From traditional New Orleans brass to cutting-edge fusion, Jazz Fest is a living, breathing showcase of the genre’s incredible diversity. If you can’t make it in person, bringing the sounds of these artists into your home is the next best thing.
How to Celebrate International Jazz Day from Home
You don’t have to be in New Orleans to feel the spirit of jazz. Here’s how you can celebrate wherever you are:
- Host a Jazz Vinyl Listening Party
Break out your turntable, invite a few friends, and spin your favorite jazz LPs. Choose a theme: classic Blue Note sessions, vocal legends, or experimental jazz, and let the needle drop.
Here’s a curated list created by the International Jazz Day website on Spotify.
- Curate Your Jazz Playlist
Mix old and new: pair a John Coltrane track with something by Nubya Garcia. Share it with friends and family to spread the love for jazz. - Support Local Musicians and Record Stores
Buy jazz albums from independent labels and stores like ElusiveDisc.com. Attend live shows in your area, even small ones, and you’ll be helping keep jazz vibrant for future generations.
Must-Have Jazz Vinyl Records Available at Elusive Disc
If you’re looking to upgrade your jazz collection, Elusive Disc has a curated selection of audiophile-quality releases that truly honor International Jazz Day. Some of the artists you are very familiar with, like Miles Davis, but we have added a group of some contemporary, rising stars that you might not be familiar with, like Samara Joy and Laufey.
🎷 Classic Jazz Essentials:
🎺 Contemporary Jazz Must-Haves:
🎺 Up and Coming Jazz Must-Haves:
Each title offers a sonic journey that feels alive, especially when experienced on audiophile-grade vinyl.
Groove Into Jazz History with Audiophile-Quality Sound
At Elusive Disc, we know that when it comes to jazz, sound quality matters. The richness of a trumpet, the brush of a snare, the breath between vocal lines these details make jazz recordings magical.
That’s why we carry premium labels like:
- Impex Records – Known for meticulously mastered jazz reissues
- Analogue Productions – Legendary for their Blue Note and Verve reissues
- Groove Note Records – Delivering pure analog warmth with artists like Jacintha and Anthony Wilson
- Venus Records
- MoFi
- Chasing The Dragon
- Blue Note
With carefully remastered pressings on 180g and 200g vinyl, SACDs, and XRCDs, you’ll hear every nuance the artists intended, just like being in the recording studio.
Join the Celebration – Explore Jazz Vinyl at ElusiveDisc.com
Celebrate International Jazz Day and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with a deeper dive into the sound that changed music forever.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz devotee or just beginning your collection, ElusiveDisc.com is your trusted source for audiophile-quality jazz vinyl, SACDs, and exclusive reissues.
Explore the groove, feel the rhythm, and keep the spirit of jazz alive one perfect spin at a time.
🎤 Final Note
Jazz isn’t just music it’s a conversation. A celebration. A story told in rhythm and soul.
Celebrate it loudly, proudly, and often. Especially this International Jazz Day.
