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

Goodbye Pork Pye HatCharles Mingus

Charles Mingus – Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Included on Mingus Ah Um (1959).

This piece is a tribute to Lester Young, whom Mingus deeply admired.

With its bluesy aroma and an air of intelligence and elegance, I’d say this track represents Mingus at his finest.

Jeff Beck also covered it—his rendition goes in a very dark, gritty direction.

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.

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.

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.

Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones

Don’t Know Why

Norah Jones is popular for performances that incorporate not only jazz but also elements of soul, country, folk, and pop, and this is likely one of her best-known songs.

Her father is the famous sitar player Ravi Shankar.

Her singer-songwriter style and soothing, gentle voice are cherished by many as healing music.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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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.