Recommended easy listening. Relaxing, soothing background music.

StardustHino Terumasa

Tp186 Stardust Terumasa Hino (Tp)

This Japanese musician is a world-renowned, active jazz trumpeter.

His defining trait is his lung capacity—when he exhales, the sound seems to quiver.

I’m not sure I can clearly tell the difference between jazz and easy listening at this point, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless.

Night deepens over Washington SquareVirejji Sutonpāzu

Washington Square at Night / The Village Stompers

I listened to this song for the first time, and I immediately knew it was unique.

It’s extremely simple, yet it undeniably has a captivating power.

And I’m sure a song like this went on to influence the music scene that followed.

It’s a masterpiece that would be a shame to let remain buried.

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My HeadB.J. Thomas (B・J・Tomasu)

Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head / B.J. Thomas

This song is also very famous, and I think everyone remembers that scene from the movie.

Even though I don’t remember the scenes in the middle, I only remember the famous scene where he dances with an umbrella when this song plays.

Perhaps a film can be called a masterpiece if many people remember even just a single scene from it.

Johnny GuitarZa Supūtonikusu

The Spotnicks / Johnny Guitar (1964)

It’s a song famous as the theme for the film “Jōsarai (Desert Sands).” This piece, which evokes South America and Spain, may have reflected the trends of the time.

Aside from the guitar, I don’t think many instruments are used, but the fact that it captivates so much with such a simple arrangement shows real skill.