November 7, 2025
Congratulations to our Blue Note nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards!
Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Branford Marsalis – Belonging
The saxophonist’s Blue Note debut is a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name featuring Marsalis’ longtime quartet with pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis & drummer Justin Faulkner.
Best Alternative Jazz Album: Immanuel Wilkins – Blues Blood
The saxophonist’s meditative offering about the legacies of our ancestors & the bloodlines connecting us was co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello & featured his quartet with Micah Thomas on piano, Rick Rosato on bass & Kweku Sumbry on drums plus vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ganavya, June McDoom & Yaw Agyeman.
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Gerald Clayton – Ones & Twos
The pianist’s provocative experiment was inspired by the art of turntablism with Clayton setting out to create a record where the A side can be played simultaneously with the B side. The album featured vibraphonist Joel Ross, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, trumpeter Marquis Hill & drummer Kendrick Scott with post-production by Kassa Overall.
