[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!
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
- [For Beginners] Classic Modern Jazz Albums: Recommended Records to Start With
- [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
- [Western Music] Classic jazz guitar albums: recommended records you should listen to at least once
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [BGM] Delicious Jazz Classics You’d Want to Hear in a Restaurant [2026]
- A roundup of famous jazz standards featured in the hugely popular jazz manga BLUE GIANT
- [2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Jazz Piano Masterpieces: From Classic Essentials to Contemporary Favorites
- Classic Dixieland jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
[Start with this one] Jazz masterpieces: a must-listen album selection (21–30)
RiseHerb Alpert
A song written by Herb Alpert’s nephew Randy “Badazz” Alpert and Andy Armer.
It was Alpert’s second song to reach No.
1 on the charts.
It’s also known for being sampled in The Notorious B.I.G.’s hit “Hypnotize.”
Work SongCannonball Adderley
While the West Coast showcases meticulous ensembles and a refined sound, the East Coast—since Charlie Parker—has advanced the art of improvisation, further highlighting the appeal of individual players.
Cannonball Adderley, with his overwhelming expressive power, is one of the saxophonists who exemplify this.
[Start with this one] Jazz masterpieces: a must-hear album selection (31–40)
Cleopatra’s DreamBud Powell
Many early jazz musicians, despite their exceptional talent, struggled with various personal issues, and Bud Powell—the jazz pianist often called a leading figure of the so-called bebop style—was one of them.
Universally recognized as a genius pianist who also composed outstanding masterpieces, Powell was highly regarded for his potential from the start of his career and left recordings worthy of his talent.
However, due to health problems and other issues, he fell into alcohol and the like.
For these reasons, his peak period is generally considered the recordings from the late 1940s to the early 1950s.
Here, though, I’d like to introduce The Scene Changes: The Amazing Bud Powell (Vol.
5), released by the prestigious Blue Note Records in 1958.
In any case, Cleopatra’s Dream—known in Japan by the widely popular title “Kureopatora no Yume”—is simply superb.
It’s a piece you should hear at least once, a masterpiece that stands in jazz history.
By the way, the humming and groans you hear in the track are Powell’s own.
Why not start with this song to discover Powell’s allure, and let it be your gateway to exploring his other classic albums?
ChameleonHerbie Hancock
A collaboration by Herbie Hancock, saxophonist Bennie Maupin, bassist Paul Jackson, and drummer Harvey Mason.
The track features a jazz bassline set to a funk beat.
A Night In TunisiaArt Blakey
The group led by Art Blakey, The Jazz Messengers, was active from the early 1950s until 1990 and is known as a gateway for young jazz musicians.
Released in 1954, A Night at Birdland is a live recording from a famous New York jazz club.
It is still highly acclaimed as a landmark of hard bop.
The improvisations by a stellar lineup—such as Clifford Brown on trumpet and Horace Silver on piano—are a highlight.
The energetic, groove-filled performances let you fully savor the essence of jazz.
It’s a perfect album for anyone interested in jazz but unsure where to start.
In the MoodGlenn Miller
Recorded in 1939, the song became a major hit in early 1940.
It was composed by Joe Garland with lyrics by Andy Razaf.
It was inspired by a piece titled “Tar Paper Stomp,” recorded in 1930 by New Orleans bandleader Joseph “Wingy” Manone.
Better Git It in Your SoulCharles Mingus
Charles Mingus, renowned as a bassist and composer, created Mingus Ah Um—an album universally celebrated as a modern jazz masterpiece.
It opens with a passionate performance infused with gospel fervor, then flows into a wistful melody dedicated to legendary players, instantly drawing listeners into its world.
In addition to being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the album is notable for including politically satirical pieces.
Its appeal lies not only in jazz’s raw energy but also in its profound storytelling.
Highly recommended if you’re looking to feel energized by a powerful sound!