Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners

MistySarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan – Misty (Live from Sweden) Mercury Records 1964

A romantic jazz ballad that likens the elusive blend of happiness and anxiety you feel when you fall in love to a “mist,” sung with tender nuance.

Sarah Vaughan’s rich, resonant voice beautifully conveys the protagonist’s delicate emotions, who becomes as helpless as a kitten up a tree.

Originally composed as an instrumental piece in 1954, Sarah Vaughan’s version was recorded in 1958.

It is also known for being used as the title of the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” It’s perfect for quietly immersing yourself in music on a calm night alone.

Its beautiful melody, which lets you savor the sweetness and ache of love at the same time, will make moments spent thinking of someone special all the more meaningful.

My Funny ValentineChet Baker

My Funny Valentine

The gemlike ballad by Chet Baker—affectionately known as the “Prince of Cool”—is an extraordinarily famous work and a true jazz classic.

Its lyrics portray a paradoxical kind of love that cherishes everything about a slightly unusual lover—their looks and quirks alike—and this worldview harmonizes beautifully with his wistful, delicate singing voice.

The piece appears on his landmark 1954 album “Chet Baker Sings,” the first to fully capture his vocals.

It was later featured on the soundtrack of the film “Sharky’s Machine.” This is a deeply affecting performance, perfect for a quiet night when you want to immerse yourself in music alone.

It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)Duke Ellington

Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”

A classic born from the phrase that pierces the essence of jazz: “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” Crafted by Duke Ellington, this piece is defined by an irresistibly buoyant rhythm that makes your body sway without thinking.

It invites you to stop overthinking and simply surrender to the pleasure of the music.

First recorded in February 1932, it stands as an emblematic track in jazz history; on the landmark album “The Great Reunion,” it also features a collaboration with Louis Armstrong.

More recently, a cover by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga was memorably used in an H&M campaign.

It’s the perfect song for lifting your spirits or filling your room with a cheerful vibe.

One O’Clock JumpCount Basie and his Orchestra

One O’Clock Jump

This piece, famously known as the theme of the Count Basie Orchestra, is a quintessential symbol of swing jazz.

It originally grew out of a riff born during a late-night rehearsal, and there’s a well-known anecdote that the current title came about thanks to a radio broadcast.

Starting with Count Basie’s suave piano and unfolding into passionate improvisations by each soloist, the arrangement instantly raises the excitement for both performers and audience alike.

Although it’s an instrumental, a later version with lyrics also exists, conveying the joy and exhilaration of jazz in a direct way.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to soak up jazz’s boundlessly bright energy.

DjangoThe Modern Jazz Quartet

Django

This is a signature work by the Modern Jazz Quartet, known as a memorial piece dedicated to the brilliant guitarist Django Reinhardt, who died young.

Beginning with a quiet, wistful melody, the piece captivates with a structure in which each instrument’s solo unfolds dramatically.

It feels as if you’re listening to a short story.

After being included on the 1955 album The Modern Jazz Quartet, Vol.

2, it became the title track of the classic album Django the following year.

It’s also known for being praised by Miles Davis as “one of the greatest works ever.” Perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in music, and with a touch of classical elegance, it’s equally recommended for times when you want to spend an intellectually refined moment.

Take FiveDave Brubeck, Paul Desmond

Take Five

It’s a rare jazz standard in 5/4 time, composed by one of the members, Paul Desmond, and included on an album released by the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959.

In Japan, it was used in a commercial for an energy drink, which may be one reason it remains one of the most popular jazz standards today.

The snappy piano pattern is really nice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Night and DayStan Getz & Bill Evans

Stan Getz & Bill Evans – Night And Day

Included on “Night and Day / Stan Getz / Bill Evans.” This track lets you savor Stan Getz’s graceful saxophone playing.

Bill Evans, too, creates a relaxed mood.

The sensuous playing by Getz and the delicate piano of Bill Evans on “But Beautiful” is another unforgettable, masterful performance.