[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 (41–50)
FeverPeggy Lee
An impassioned love song originally recorded by the singer Little Willie John.
His songs have been covered by many artists, including The Beatles.
The most well-known version of Fever is by jazz singer Peggy Lee, who was influenced by the blues.
[Start with this one] Jazz masterpieces: A must-hear album selection (51–60)
What a wonderful worldLouis Armstrong
A standard song loved around the world, written by Bob Thiele and George Weiss.
First released in 1968, it was later used about 20 years on in the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams.
In the UK, it was the best-selling song of 1968.
I’ve got you under my skinFrank Sinatra
A song written by Cole Porter in 1936.
It was first performed by actress Virginia Bruce in the MGM musical Born to Dance, which starred Eleanor Powell and James Stewart.
This Frank Sinatra version has become one of his signature songs.
Lotus BlossomKenny Dorham
The album title “QUIET KENNY” and its tasteful cover are supremely dandy and cool.
Kenny Dorham, a Texas-born trumpeter and one of the defining players of the bebop era, is extremely popular among jazz fans here in Japan as well.
He also spent time with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and as both a leader and a sideman he delivered a burnished, understated brilliance on trumpet.
The work mentioned at the start is one of Dorham’s signature albums, known in Japan under the title “Shizukanaru Kenny” (Quiet Kenny).
The ensemble—formed as a one-horn quartet—functions less to flaunt overwhelming technique or flashy improvisation, and more to build the unique atmosphere of each tune.
It’s irresistibly cool to hear the wistful melodies and masculine allure that mirror the mood of the cover.
The quality of the original compositions is also noteworthy, making this a record that fully showcases Dorham’s gifts as a composer.
It’s a gem I’d recommend to anyone who wants to experience jazz as truly adult music.
Stormy WeatherLena Horne
A song first sung by Ethel Waters at Harlem’s Cotton Club under the title “Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin’ All the Time).” This distinctive recording by Lena Horne is said to be the best-known version.
Route 66Nat King Cole
Originally written and performed by singer and pianist Bobby Troup, who was married to actress Julie London.
The King Cole Trio’s version, released by Columbia Records, became a major hit, and afterward Nat King Cole recorded this solo version.
Georgia On My MindRay Charles
A song written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell.
Carmichael was an actor, performer, and popular songwriter, also known for works like “Stardust” and “Winter Moon.” This version by Ray Charles won four Grammy Awards in 1960.