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

We often hear people say things like, “Jazz feels a bit intimidating…” or “I don’t know where to start.” But did you know there are countless masterpieces you’ve probably heard at least once? The standard numbers you hear in movies, cafés, and TV commercials are perfect for getting into jazz.

In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of jazz through approachable songs that anyone can enjoy.

By the end, you’ll surely be captivated by jazz!

Introduction! A collection of must-listen classics and jazz standards for beginners (31–40)

All of MeBillie Holiday

Including amateurs, this is likely the standard song most frequently sung by Japanese jazz vocalists.

Though it may look like she’s just singing it lightly, Billie Holiday’s performance has a uniqueness no one can imitate.

She often rearranged melodies in her own way and didn’t always sing the original line, but on this song she sings a melody that stays quite close to the original.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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StablematesBlue Mitchell

From the 1973 album “Stablemates.” It’s a Benny Golson composition, but Blue Mitchell’s bright, light trumpet tone is really wonderful.

The stylish atmosphere and relaxed mood make it a superb track.

Speaking of Blue Mitchell, “Nica’s Dream” is another unforgettable piece.

He’s a popular artist in Japan as well.

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Someone to Watch Over MeBarbra Streisand

This is a song composed by George Gershwin and with lyrics by Ira Gershwin for the 1926 musical Oh, Kay! Although it’s now known as a ballad, it originally started out as a lively swing number.

Given its title, which suggests that a kind, watchful presence is looking over me, it was even used in a commercial for a certain home-security company.

So it’s likely a tune many people have heard, even if they’re not jazz enthusiasts.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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UnforgettableNatalie Cole

Unforgettable (Duet with Nat King Cole)
UnforgettableNatalie Cole

This song was released by Natalie Cole, but it was originally a favorite of her father, Nat King Cole.

The “duet,” created by overdubbing Natalie’s vocals onto his recordings made during his lifetime, became a major talking point.

With a title and content that are deeply moving, the piece is a masterpiece that won the 34th Grammy Awards in 1992.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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A Love Supreme, Pt. I – AcknowledgementJohn Coltrane

This track is performed with the mature, seductive groove of the legendary John Coltrane, a saxophonist who represents America and whose name you may have heard even if you’re not a jazz fan.

It is a masterpiece of complex and artistic ensemble work that expresses the depth of jazz and the freedom inherent in music.

Murakami Shinpei
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Introduction! A roundup of recommended masterpieces and jazz standards for beginners (41–50)

I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You)Benny Goodman

Here is a piece performed by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, led by clarinetist Benny Goodman—renowned as a leading figure of swing jazz and known for “Sing, Sing, Sing.” It was originally a song with lyrics, and Judy Garland’s version is also famous, so you might enjoy comparing the two.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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Body and SoulBillie Holiday

Composed by Johnny Green in 1930, this song was written for actress and singer Gertrude Lawrence, but it was ultimately introduced in a Broadway revue by Libby Holman.

To this day, it is a ballad that has been performed, loved, and well known among many singers and instrumentalists.

Among vocal versions, Billie Holiday’s rendition is particularly famous, and the song can be said to suit her character.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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Take The A TrainDuke Ellington