Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Jazz has a longer history than rock or pop and encompasses many subgenres, so it’s no surprise that many people feel it’s a bit intimidating to get into.
Some may have a mental block because of the image they have of jazz, but in fact, there are countless famous jazz tunes you’ve probably heard somewhere—whether as timeless standards loved across generations, or as songs used in commercials and film scores.
In this article, we’ve gathered recommended classics and popular tracks that even jazz beginners can enjoy.
Focusing on vintage jazz numbers while mixing in standout tracks from contemporary jazz artists who’ve been attracting attention in recent years, we present a richly varied selection.
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Classic jazz songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (91–100)
Satin DollOscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson is also a pianist well known in Japan.
He’s considered one of the greats, with no one surpassing him when it comes to playing standards.
“Satin Doll” is a famous standard, too, and it’s easy to listen to.
Golden EarringsRay Bryant
Ray Bryant may not be flashy, but he’s a pianist favored by connoisseurs.
His playing is heavy and sombre, which really resonates with the Japanese sensibility.
Golden Earrings has a nostalgic melody and is a very accessible classic.
Social CallSamara Joy
It’s a tune composed by jazz player Gigi Gryce, to which vocalist Jon Hendricks later added lyrics.
The lyrics basically mean something like, “I dropped by to say hello to a woman I’m a bit interested in.” Even though they were added later, they’re quite stylish, aren’t they? In winter, we often visit acquaintances’ homes for Christmas parties and such, so it’s a perfect song for the situation.
Samara Joy is an American jazz singer who has won a Grammy Award.
I’m excited to see what she does next.
All of YouMiles Davis
Composed by the great songwriter Cole Porter, this piece has been covered by numerous vocalists, but in terms of instrumental performances, Miles Davis’s version is probably the best known.
Lyrically, it conveys a desire to love everything about you and to have control over you.
The Girl From IpanemaStan Getz
Stan Getz is also one of the giants of the tenor saxophone, but his most famous recording is this “The Girl From Ipanema,” in which he plays Brazilian samba.
With Gilberto’s vocals, the song became a worldwide hit and is still often listened to today.
Getz’s cool sound is just electrifying, isn’t it?
Work SongCannonball Adderley Quintet
This is the song Work Song by Cannonball Adderley, the saxophonist who played with the King of Jazz, Miles Davis.
It’s a track where you can fully enjoy his eccentric and highly technical solos.
In fact, his younger brother, cornetist Nat Adderley, also plays on this tune.
Enjoy the perfectly synced performance of the two!
Night And DayFrank Sinatra
Here is a song Cole Porter wrote for the 1932 musical The Gay Divorcee, first performed by the tap-dance master Fred Astaire.
It was later released as a record and became so popular that it reached number one in the United States.
His songs often have long verse sections, and their distinctive qualities, including unique chord progressions, have made them beloved jazz standards for both vocalists and instrumentalists.
The lyrics are passionate, expressing how the singer thinks of their beloved night and day.