Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.

Red TopErroll Garner

Red Top

A piece by the American jazz pianist Erroll Garner.

He started playing the piano at the age of three and taught himself, though it’s said he couldn’t read sheet music throughout his life.

Being left-handed, his left-hand rhythm and right-hand melody were slightly off from each other.

As a result, this became part of his unique groove and found its way into his music.

The freedom in his playing, unbound by convention, is also part of the appeal.

This piece, too, stands out for its brightness and a light, quintessentially jazzy feel!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Black GoldEsperanza Spalding

Black Gold (Official Music Video) by Esperanza Spalding from Radio Music Society

This woman, who looks incredibly cool singing while playing the bass, is Esperanza Spalding from Portland, Oregon, USA.

She’s a multi-instrumentalist who plays not only the bass but many other instruments, and her talent extends far beyond the confines of jazz.

Undoubtedly one of the most important artists on the jazz scene since the 2000s, she released “Black Gold” in 2012— a track included on her acclaimed album Radio Music Society, which won the 55th Grammy Award.

Although the theme it explores is quite serious, the melody is beautiful, and it’s a song I highly recommend to pop and soul fans as well.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Spanish KeyMiles Davis Sextet

Spanish Key (Hd Remastered Version)

As jazz evolved, he incorporated a wide range of genres, and his 1970 album Bitches Brew—representative of the period often called his “electric Miles” era for its bold use of electric instruments—is no exaggeration to call a work of great importance in jazz history.

Among its tracks, Spanish Key stands out as a masterpiece characterized by a powerful performance that even evokes funk and rock.

A Lover’s ConcertoSarah Vaughan

sarah vaughan – A Lover’s concerto

“Lover’s Concerto,” sung by Sarah Vaughan, one of the three great female jazz vocalists.

It originally comes from a famous classical piece, to which lyrics were added and the arrangement given a jazz flavor.

It has a somewhat nostalgic feel, doesn’t it? Curiously, it shares something in common with Japanese kayōkyoku.

It might even be fun to sing it with Japanese lyrics!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Blue MonkThelonious Monk

Blue Monk, Thelonius Monk

This is a blues progression piece composed by the uniquely individual pianist Thelonious Monk, and it’s often played at jam sessions.

The theme, which blends humor and the avant-garde, unmistakably feels like one of his creations.

In jazz, the thematic phrases often influence the subsequent solo sections, so that’s another key point to listen for.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

AlfieSonny Rollins

Sonny Rollins “Alfie”

Sonny Rollins is still an active giant in the jazz world.

He has many famous tunes, but Alfie became popular as the theme song for a British film.

With its very memorable melody, it’s a classic that almost everyone has heard at least once.

It’s Only a Paper MoonElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald – It’s Only a Paper Moon

Set against a fantastical world of paper moons and cardboard seas, this classic song depicts how love makes reality shine brighter, all gently embraced by the warm, tender voice of America’s own Ella Fitzgerald.

Recorded in March 1945 in collaboration with the Delta Rhythm Boys, the piece blends a buoyantly swinging melody with deeply affectionate vocals in perfect harmony.

It’s a gem that captures, with a bright and optimistic tone, how meeting a beloved person can illuminate the ordinary day-to-day.

Featured in many works—including the 1973 film “Paper Moon”—it’s a perfect choice for welcoming a new season and sharing a heartwarming moment with someone special.