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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 roundup of recommended masterpieces and jazz standards for beginners (51–60)

I Got RhythmJudy Garland

This song, composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, was featured in the musical Girl Crazy, which produced many hit songs that became jazz standards.

Because its chord progression follows the “rhythm changes” commonly used in jazz, it’s also frequently played at jazz jam sessions.

It is also well known for its use in the 1951 musical film An American in Paris.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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My Back PagesKeith Jarrett

This is a track from Keith Jarrett’s 1969 live album “Somewhere Before,” and it’s his rendition of a song originally released by Bob Dylan in 1964.

Jazz albums sometimes feature pieces from other genres, and among them, this one can surely be called a deeply moving masterpiece.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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Hello, DollyLouis Armstrong

The album containing this song, which debuted in a 1964 American musical, reached No.

1 on the album chart, and Louis Armstrong’s album “Hello, Dolly!” also hit No.

1 the following week, so it must have been explosively popular.

The WordPress plugin “Hello Dolly,” which comes pre-installed by default, playfully displays random lyrics from the song—showing just how beloved it is.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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NaimaMark Murphy

Recorded in ’75 on “Mark Murphy.” Mark Murphy is a vocalist who sets lyrics to the solo sections of jazz tunes that other jazz singers don’t usually touch.

For example, Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” and “Cantaloupe Island.” And it all sounds completely natural.

The backing band features top-tier musicians like David Sanborn and the Brecker brothers—there’s no way this could be anything but excellent.

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Introduction! A roundup of must-hear jazz classics and standards for beginners (61–70)

(I Loveyou) for Sentimental ReasonsNat King Cole

Here’s a sweet ballad about falling for someone with pure feelings.

The Brown Dots first released the song in 1945, but it didn’t attract much attention at the time; Nat King Cole’s version became the best-selling one.

More recently, Rod Stewart’s 2004 rendition is also well known.

Many other artists have covered it as well, so please try listening to several versions.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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Quizas Quizas QuizasNat King Cole

Recorded in 1958.

Originally a song from Latin America, it became famous through Nat King Cole’s rendition.

It was also used as an insert song in Wong Kar-wai’s film “In the Mood for Love.” The scene where Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung dance to this song is sultry, and the song, which unfolds so dramatically, heightened the sensuous effect.

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I Put A Spell On YouNina Simone

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the legendary R&B singer of the ’50s, wrote this song in 1956, and it later became a classic of jazz and soul.

It gained a cult following and turned into a standard covered by many artists—this version is one of those notable covers.

Around ten years after its original release, Nina Simone recorded her own cover.

She was a uniquely distinctive female singer.

A conservatory graduate, her debut was a jazz album showcasing her superb piano playing, but she gradually gravitated toward soul music.

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