SAN DIEGO — Rising young talents and revered veterans helped take jazz to a multitude of exciting new destinations in 2025.

But the most notable debut album of the year, the aptly titled “New Dawn,” came from a musician who is very likely the world’s veteran living jazz artist. Saxophonist Marshall Allen, who turned 101 in May, is now in the Guinness Book of Records as “the oldest person to release a debut solo album (male).”

Allen was, in fact, only 100 when “New Dawn” came out in March. He continues to head the Sun Ra Arkestra, the cutting-edge jazz and Afrofuturism ensemble he joined in 1958 and has led since shortly after Ra’s death in 1993. He is that anomalous musician whose life has not been stunted by smoking.

At the other end of the spectrum is a host of fresh-faced artists who are bringing their own imprimatur to jazz. They include Baltimore trumpeter Brandon Woody, British saxophonist Xhosa Cole, Spanish trumpeter Milena Casado and Philadelphia-born singer Samara Joy, 25, who this year performed at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego and already has five Grammy Award wins to her credit.

As in previous years, my favorite jazz albums released in 2025 number in the dozens. Today, these are the ones that made my list.

Linda May Han Oh, “Strange Heavens” (Biophilia)

Malaysian-born bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh has performed in San Diego leading her own band and as a pivotal member of groups led by such greats as guitarist Pat Metheny, pianist Vijay Iyer and saxophonist Joe Lovano. Her latest album, “Strange Heavens,” soars repeatedly as she, drum marvel Tyshawn Sorey and the sublime trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire create vibrant music that is by turns combustible and contemplative, carefully crafted and wonderfully animated.

Mary Halvorson, About Ghosts (Nonesuch)

New York guitarist and composer Mary Halvorson is a master of textures, dynamics and contrapuntal twists and turns whose music never goes quite where you expect but always hits its mark. With alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and tenor saxophonist Brian Settles joining her six-piece band, Amaryllis — which features the outstanding vibraphonist and marimba player Patricia Brennan — Halvorsen makes full use of her expanded sonic palette. What results is a consistent treat.

Patricia Brennan, “Of the Near and Far” (Pyroclastic)

There is a cinematic scope in the music of Patricia Brennan, whose 10-piece ensemble performs her impeccably scored compositions with meticulous attention to detail while leaving room for improvisatory flights of fancy. Brennan’s multifarious pieces at times nod to progressive-rock at its most urbane — in particular such bands as Gentle Giant, Tangerine Dream and Happy the Man. Ultimately, though, “Of the Near and Far” is a singular accomplishment that promises even better things to follow.

Xhosa Cole, On a Modern Genius, Vol. 1 (Stoney Lane)

At 28, English tenor saxophonist Xhosa Cole is a star in the making. His often ecstatic playing enlivens this album of classic songs by Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington’s rhapsodic “Come Sunday.” All of them sound reverent and brand new as Cole injects them with infectious vigor and delightful twists — including key support from New York tap dancer Liberty Styles.

Yazz Ahmed, “A Paradise In The Hold” (Night Time Stories)

English-Bahraini trumpeter Yazz Ahmed’s fourth album is her most rewarding work to date. It’s a stunning, East-meets-West synthesis that deftly combines swirling Arabian melodies and polyrhythms with jazz tonalities and lively improvisation to create a borders-blurring whole that is both earthy and exotic.

Ambrose Akinmusire, “Honey From a Winter Stone” (Nonesuch)

Jazz, chamber music, electronica, Afro-Latin and hip-hop are all equals on this absorbing album by trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire. By turns introspective and illuminating, graceful and high-flying, tender and abstract, the music on “Honey From a Winter Stone” is a powerful statement of purpose from an uncompromising musical auteur.

Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith, “Defiant Life” ECM

One of the most contemplative, understated and moving albums of the year, “Defiant Life” finds pianist Vijay Iyer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith reuniting for their first album together in nine years. While the title of “Defiant Life” reflects the challenges, pain and tumult in our increasingly chaotic world, the exceptionally poignant music Iyer and Smith make also points to redemption, if not catharsis.

Branford Marsalis Quartet, “Belonging” (Nonesuch)

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis was a New Orleans high school student and a member of the Big Easy funk band the Creators when pianist Keith Jarrett’s “Belonging” album was released in 1974. This new album is faithful to the joyous spirit and soul of the original album while exuding a welcome sense of celebration.

Joshua White, “Flora and Fauna: 9 Preludes for Solo Piano” (Orenda)

Now based in Long Beach, San Diego-bred pianist Joshua White has an expansive musical vocabulary that covers almost the entire breadth and depth of jazz. “Flora and Fauna: 9 Preludes for Solo Piano” is his second solo album — and his first without any accompanists. But a pianist this skilled requires no help to make compelling statements. Whether playing with whisper-soft delicacy and a meditative focus or with an infectiously exultant air, White is a major talent who deserves to be discovered and welcomed by a broader audience.

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