With over 1000 albums in its archives, defining the essential records and artists in the Blue Note discography is a nearly impossible task, but here are some of the records we think everyone should know about.

Blue Note 85

There aren’t many record labels that have become synonymous with a genre, like Blue Note has with jazz. The label’s famed quality control has led to an impressive catalogue with its high point in the 1950s and 1960s, when they churned out future classics by the dozen. But let’s not forget that Blue Note is still relevant to this very day and has remained a true force of innovation. We asked experts, writers, musicians, artists and industry insiders to send us lists of their favourite Blue Note albums and compiled the results. Read what made the cut and then take home one of your favourites from the list below!