[2026] Jazz BGM: A collection of recommended classics for work and study
What kind of music do you play when you want to focus on work or studying? Many people may find that pop or kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs) can be distracting—yet complete silence makes it hard to concentrate.
That’s why I recommend jazz as background music.
The pleasant melodies of the piano and the rich tones of the saxophone add a stylish atmosphere without getting in the way of your tasks.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected classic jazz tracks that are perfect for working and studying.
In the first half, we focus on songs from the 2010s to the 2020s, and in the second half, we introduce timeless standards that have been loved across generations.
We hope you’ll find a new favorite track!
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[2026] Jazz BGM: A Collection of Recommended Classics for Work and Study (21–30)
Route 66Natalie Cole, Diana Krall
Somehow I thought it was a man’s song.
Having two women sing it gives it a kind of gentle power that’s really nice.
The balance between Natalie’s high voice and Diana’s lower one is great.
In that case, just like the title, the idea of the two of them driving along Route 66—sometimes squabbling along the way—sounds interesting.
Satin DollDuke Ellington
He handles the piano as if it were part of his body.
There’s even a sense of humor in his relaxed playing at times.
The piece isn’t particularly dynamic, but the sound seems to emanate from Ellington himself, and in this too I savored the full-bodied charm of jazz.
Hello, DollyLouis Armstrong
I only knew this song from the musical.
Louis Armstrong’s rendition felt like a professionally cool, gritty take, different from the light image the song had up to then.
Truly the song of a jazzman.
His voice makes your blood stir.
Smoke Gets in Your EyesMiles Davis
In this story-driven piece, the trumpet’s wet tone resonates as if it were stinging the eyes in just the right way.
It reminded me once again how a single arrangement can change a song’s impression in many ways.
Miles’s trumpet has a beautiful flow that touches the heartstrings.
Night in TunisiaDizzy Gillespie
I got to see trumpet playing that could only be described as master craftsmanship.
There’s also a charming, playful side to it, with cheeks puffing up into perfect rounds.
Wow—just incredible.
The piece even felt a bit mysterious at times.
More than anything, I fully savored the exquisite nuances of the performance.
The Girl from IpanemaFrank Sinatra
Sinatra has all kinds of images associated with him, but like a true professional showman, he gave a light, effortless rendition of The Girl from Ipanema.
Before I knew it, I was drawn into the stage and tapping my foot to the rhythm.
It felt as if the stage itself was ingrained in him, like a born entertainer.
Moon RiverHenry Mancini, Johnny Mercer
It doesn’t really feel like jazz, but I was enchanted by the beautiful piano performance that suits a Hepburn film.
This, too, brings to mind Hepburn by the window.
Music can transport you into its world in an instant with just a single phrase.