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【2026】A Collection of Masterpieces by Overseas Jazz Bands

What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the term “jazz band”? Perhaps a quartet led by a renowned player, or a big band steering a traditional orchestra—there are many possibilities.

In this article, we focus on bona fide bands and groups rooted in jazz, highlighting the classic tracks they’ve produced.

Alongside legendary fusion bands, there are now many groups that have further evolved jazz and earned global acclaim, especially in recent years.

We’ll be introducing plenty of timeless songs from these new-generation bands as well!

[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces by Overseas Jazz Bands (41–50)

Blue BossaJ.J.Johnson Quintet

J.J. Johnson Quintet – Blue Bossa – U. Jazz 1993
Blue BossaJ.J.Johnson Quintet

Blue Bossa, composed by Kenny Dorham, is performed by the J.J.

Johnson Quintet.

As a jazz trombonist, he was active from the late Swing era into the Modern Jazz period.

His slide work is precise, fast, and steady.

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[2026] Collection of Masterpieces by Overseas Jazz Bands (51–60)

Hymn of the Seventh GalaxyReturn To Forever

Return To Forever – Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy 1973 HQ
Hymn of the Seventh GalaxyReturn To Forever

A track by Return to Forever, a New York jazz fusion band formed by pianist Chick Corea.

It is the title track of an album released in 1973.

The album reached No.

7 on the U.S.

charts.

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My Favorite ThingsManhattan Jazz Orchestra

Manhattan Jazz Orchestra – MY FAVOURITE THINGS
My Favorite ThingsManhattan Jazz Orchestra

The Manhattan Jazz Orchestra’s performance of “My Favorite Things” is a piece composed by Richard Rodgers from the musical The Sound of Music.

The fast-tempo jazz waltz is exhilarating!

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As fresh as the morning sunModern Jazz Quartet

“Softly as in a Morning Sunrise”Modern Jazz Quartet in London.
As fresh as the morning sunModern Jazz Quartet

The Modern Jazz Quartet is arranged around Milt Jackson’s vibraphone without using wind instruments.

“Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” has music by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

The vibraphone’s clear, transparent tone is lovely.

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Take FiveThe Dave Brubeck Quartet

Dave Brubeck Quartet – Take Five, London 1964
Take FiveThe Dave Brubeck Quartet

This footage shows the West Coast jazz icon and pianist Dave Brubeck and his quartet performing Take Five in London in 1964.

The piece was composed by jazz saxophonist and composer Paul Desmond while he was a member of the quartet.

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In conclusion

Some people may have a vague preconception that jazz feels a bit inaccessible or is just old music, but as you can tell from the songs introduced here, even older pieces haven’t lost their forward-looking spirit, and contemporary masterpieces can be enjoyed with fresh ears.

Use this article as a guide and dive deeper into the allure of jazz bands!