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

NaimaMark Murphy

Mark Murphy – naima

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.

Don’t Let Be Me Lonely TonightMichael Brecker

Michael Brecker – Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (guest James Taylor)

Included on the 2001 album “Nearness of You.” They perform James Taylor’s song with Taylor himself as a guest vocalist.

A stellar lineup features Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and others.

Many people love this piece; it’s been covered not only in the jazz world but also by Eric Clapton.

Brecker likely has a special attachment to this song as well.

Sala SmileMike Mainieri

Sara Smile – Mike Mainieri

From the 1977 album Love Play.

Vibraphonist Mike Mainieri takes on the Hall & Oates classic.

David Sanborn’s saxophone is full of emotion, and Mainieri’s vibraphone has a lyrical, melodic tone that’s truly wonderful.

Sanborn is definitely one of those artists whose work as a sideman should not be overlooked.

(I Loveyou) for Sentimental ReasonsNat King Cole

I Love You For Sentimental Reasons (Remastered)

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Quizas Quizas QuizasNat King Cole

Nat King Cole – Quizas Quizas Quizas

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.

I Put A Spell On YouNina Simone

I Put A Spell On You

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.

Lonely WomanOrnette Coleman

Lonely Woman (Mono)

Ornette Coleman, the genius of the jazz alto saxophone.

One of his most iconic—and arguably avant-garde—works is this album released in 1959.

Often cited as a source of free jazz, this new kind of album expanded the possibilities of jazz and music itself by embracing free expression without chordal instruments or conventional structures.

This kind of music is great, too.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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