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)
You And The Night And The MusicMal Waldon trio
It’s a song composed by Arthur Schwartz, with lyrics, that is often performed by jazz vocalists.
Of course, many instrumentalists have featured it as well, so many of you have likely heard it.
As the title suggests, it evokes the atmosphere of a nighttime jazz club.
Spanish KeyMiles Davis Sextet
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
“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!
Blue MonkThelonious 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.
Autumn In New YorkBillie Holiday
One of the quintessential songs people feel like listening to in autumn is “Autumn Leaves,” but when it comes to hidden gems about the season, some of you might be reminded of this song as well.
Composed by Vernon Duke in 1934, it was also used in the film of the same title released in 2000.