Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New!
Contemporary jazz is a general term for jazz that encompasses smooth jazz and fusion.
Literally, it means “modern jazz,” but even jazz from the 1940s can fall under contemporary jazz, which may make it hard for some people to picture what it is.
This time, for those people, we’ve picked out classic contemporary jazz tracks spanning a wide range of eras.
Many of the songs are catchy, so even those who aren’t well-versed in jazz should be able to enjoy them.
Please relax and enjoy reading to the end.
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Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New (11–20)
I Can’t Stand The RainCassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson, an American jazz singer known for her smooth vocals, is truly captivating.
Her version of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” is a song originally released in 1973 by soul singer Ann Peebles.
Ann’s original leans more toward soul and blues than jazz, and it even has shades that evoke ’60s rock.
Cassandra’s version, on the other hand, has a distinctly different flavor—darker in tone compared to the original, with a stronger jazz and blues feel.
In either version, the strength of the melody really shines.
Take the a trainDuke Ellington
One of the most famous jazz standards, Take the ‘A’ Train.
In Japan, it’s known by the title “A Ressha de Ikou” (“Let’s Go by the A Train”).
The piece was composed by Billy Strayhorn, a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and has enjoyed tremendous popularity from its 1941 release to the present day.
Because it’s such a quintessential standard, this tends to be overlooked, but in fact, for jazz at the time it was highly unconventional, and its structure even leads some to classify it as contemporary jazz.
OrnithologyCharlie Parker
Charlie Parker, the great jazz musician known as a pioneer of bebop.
Created during the heyday of swing jazz, bebop—unlike swing—often features complex structures and has had a profound influence on contemporary jazz.
‘Ornithology’ is one of Parker’s signature works, a masterpiece crafted with such intricate structure that it stands shoulder to shoulder with today’s contemporary jazz without feeling dated.
Cast Your Fate to the WindDavid Benoit
David Benoit is a jazz pianist from California who has gained popularity as a leading figure in jazz fusion.
His style is quintessentially West Coast, and with his catchy musical sensibilities, he has won the Grammy Award five times.
Among his works, one I particularly recommend is Cast Your Fate to the Wind.
This piece blends jazz, classical, and pop, and throughout it unfolds the complex tonal colors characteristic of contemporary jazz.
SleepwalkLarry Carlton
Guitarist Larry Carlton, who has gained popularity for his catchy musical style.
When you hear “contemporary jazz,” you might imagine complex jazz that incorporates dissonance, but in reality, works similar to fusion are often classified as contemporary jazz, and some even include pop-leaning tracks.
Among such contemporary jazz pieces, one that is especially known as a poppy and catchy classic is Sleepwalk.
It’s a memorable work featuring a relaxed guitar and a flowing track that evokes smooth jazz.
Sweet Georgia PeachRussell Malone
Jazz guitarist Russell Malone, originally from Georgia.
He paid his dues in Jimmy Smith’s band and later performed with major artists like Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr.
While he excels at orthodox playing, he’s also influenced by B.B.
King, which gives his contemporary jazz a flavor of blues and soul.
You can hear those qualities on Sweet Georgia Peach, so be sure to check it out.
In conclusion
For those who couldn’t quite picture the sound of contemporary jazz, this article may have helped you get a feel for it.
Compared to orthodox jazz, contemporary jazz blends a variety of genres, so it likely came across as more approachable.
At Rugmusic, we have articles featuring many different kinds of jazz.
If this piece sparked an interest in jazz for you, be sure to check them out.