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

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.

Fire WaltzEric Dolphy

Eric Dolphy & Booker Little Quintet at the Five Spot – Fire Waltz

Recorded in ’61 on Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot.

You can hear a fiery performance that feels like a battle with trumpeter Booker Little.

As the title suggests, it’s a duet that blazes like a roaring flame.

The album also features a track called “Booker’s Waltz,” and Booker’s playing on it is excellent as well.

It’s a shame that both of them passed away so young.

Ponta de AreiaEsperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding – Ponta de Areia

Included on 2008’s Esperanza.

Bassist Esperanza Spalding performs a song by Milton Nascimento.

It’s one of Milton’s signature pieces, also featured on Wayne Shorter’s Native Dancer and covered by Elis Regina.

Esperanza sings and plays it with a fresh, vivid sensitivity.

Forest FlowerCharles Lloyd

Forest Flower

From the 1967 album Forest Flower.

This is a live recording from saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Lloyd’s saxophone offers an elegant tone.

Keith Jarrett’s piano is also an unforgettable, masterful performance.

Jack DeJohnette’s drumming is fiery.

A flowing yet cool number.

My Favorite ThingsJohn Coltrane

My Favorite Things — John Coltrane

Included on the 1961 album My Favorite Things.

Coltrane’s aggressively driving performances are great, but you also want to hear pieces that cherish the melody, right? On this track, there’s a gentle-hearted Coltrane who doesn’t overplay and preserves the world of the original.

It’s a song that shimmers like jade.

A track where you can fully savor the flavor of the soprano saxophone.

Tell Me A Bedtime StoryQuincy Jones

Quincy Jones – Sounds – Tell Me a Bedtime Story

Included on the 1978 album “Sounds And Stuff Like That!”.

Originally a piece performed by Herbie Hancock, this version was created by arranging his electric piano solo part for strings.

That idea paid off, resulting in a superb finish.

The choral arrangement is also very lovely.

Sleeping Dancer Sleep OnArt Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers “Sleeping Dancer Sleep On”

Included on the 1966 album Like Someone In Love.

Lee Morgan’s trumpet is sheer genius.

Wayne Shorter’s saxophone is serene and beautiful.

Bobby Timmons’s piano has a delicate, ephemeral touch.

You can sense each member cherishing the melody and playing with sincerity.

Without a deep love for the piece, you couldn’t deliver performances like these.