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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 (81–90)

Autumn Leavesjim hall

Jim Hall & Ron Carter – Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leavesjim hall

In jazz harmony, along with the piano, the guitar is sometimes used.

Among the masters of the guitar—an instrument said to be three times harder than the piano—in the world of jazz is Jim Hall.

One of the charms of jazz guitar is the technique of playing chords and melody simultaneously—and doing so improvisationally.

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Mack the KnifeBobby Darin

A song composed by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for the music drama Die Dreigroschenoper.

This Bobby Darin version became his biggest hit and won Song of the Year at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1959.

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All the Things You AreJoe Pass

Alongside Jim Hall, Joe Pass is a master of jazz guitar.

He plays chords, melody, and bass lines simultaneously—and improvises them.

Even the jazz standard “All the Things You Are” becomes uniquely his own without disturbing the character of the piece.

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Return to Forever

Return to ForeverChick Corea

On February 9, 2021, a great jazz pianist set off for heaven.

Born in 1941 in Massachusetts, USA, Chick Corea was an artist who vastly expanded the possibilities of jazz with his overwhelming skill and flexible approach.

Familiar with the piano from a young age, he entered the prestigious Juilliard School, but soon left his studies to pursue a professional career, performing with many renowned artists.

After joining Miles Davis’s group, he showcased his unique talent by releasing numerous ambitious works using the electric piano, the Fender Rhodes.

Crossing genre boundaries and remaining at the forefront throughout a career spanning over 50 years, Chick was also a key figure in electric jazz and fusion.

In that context, one album that must be mentioned is the classic Return to Forever, released under his solo name in 1972, which became an exceptional hit.

This work, which later inspired the formation of the band of the same name, is a gem that elevates the meticulously crafted band ensemble—created by players with outstanding technique—into melodious, accessible songs.

Its stylish flavor, imbued with the scent of Brazilian music, makes it perfect as café music as well!

KOH-1
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In conclusion

Jazz is truly profound and, as mentioned at the outset, it’s a genre with many subgenres. Once you step into it, there’s no turning back—you’ll sink into it like a bottomless swamp. This time I focused mainly on classic, time-honored masterpieces that could be called the standards of standards, but if you feel you might come to love jazz, I encourage you to also turn your attention to today’s jazz musicians, who continue to evolve in real time.