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[Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection

What kind of impression do you have of the musical genre known as jazz?

You might think of it as somewhat stylish, or perhaps a bit intimidating and highbrow.

The history of jazz, which includes many subgenres, can’t be summed up easily—and of course, it’s not just music from a bygone era.

This time, for those who are interested but don’t know where to start, we’ve picked out a selection of classic, standard albums that have gone down in jazz history—perfect as your first listen.

Be sure to check them out!

[Start with this one] Jazz masterpieces: A must-hear album selection (61–70)

Lullaby Of BirdlandBud Powell

Jazz after Charlie Parker is called modern jazz, but when further subdivided, their music is called bebop.

The progressive leap in bebop harmony owed a great deal to the contributions of pianist Bud Powell.

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Lilac WineEartha Kitt

A song written by James Alan Shelton.

This version was released in 1953 by Eartha Kitt, who was an actress and cabaret star in the 1950s.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Jeff Buckley and Katie Melua.

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Lullaby of BirdlandElla Fitzgerald

A piece composed in 1952 by George Shearing, an Anglo-American jazz pianist.

Named after the saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker and performed by many prominent jazz musicians, it is a tribute to the New York jazz club Birdland.

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One for My BabyFred Astaire

Fred Astaire: One for My Baby (dance & song)
One for My BabyFred Astaire

It’s a melancholy song composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer for the 1943 film “The Sky’s the Limit.” It has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Paul Anka, Marvin Gaye, and Iggy Pop.

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Real Ugly WomanJimmy Witherspoon

Jimmy Witherspoon Real Ugly Woman 1951
Real Ugly WomanJimmy Witherspoon

A song produced by the songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

It was first performed at a concert in Los Angeles, California by Jimmy Witherspoon, who was known for his vocal style referred to as a “blues shouter.”

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BakaiJohn Coltrane

John Coltrane – Bakai (1957)
BakaiJohn Coltrane

A track from the first album recorded under John Coltrane’s own name.

The album was originally titled “First Trane,” but it is now sold as “Coltrane.” The song title “Bakai” means “cry” in Arabic.

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We Get Requests

The Days of Wine and RosesOscar Peterson Trio

Among the many jazz pianists, Oscar Peterson from Montreal, Canada, possessed top-tier technique, yet instead of emphasizing complexity, he conveyed the joyful, feel-good side of music.

Over his long career he released countless works, won seven Grammy Awards, and received the 11th Praemium Imperiale, among other honors—achievements that place him in a unique position in the history of modern jazz.

While many geniuses and mavericks experimented to expand the possibilities of jazz, Peterson essentially never strayed from his regal, straight-ahead style, continuing to perform with an upbeat sound that fused swing and bop to communicate the pure fun of jazz.

Even just looking at the album cover, you can’t help but smile at how happy the three players seem—We Get Requests is one of Peterson’s signature albums.

Released in 1964, it’s a classic that includes well-known tunes such as Days of Wine and Roses, composed by the famed film composer Henry Mancini.

If you want to savor the comfort and joy of swinging jazz to your heart’s content, this is essential listening.

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MistySarah Vaughan