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 (21–30)
Duet Solo DancersCharles Mingus
The album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, released in 1963 by bassist Charles Mingus.
In Japan it was given the somewhat dubious title “Kuroi Seija to Tsumi Aru Onna” (“The Black Saint and the Sinful Woman”), but this album—recorded by a large 11-piece band—is a grand work in the form of a suite.
Among its tracks, Duet Solo Dancers is constructed like a film score, offering a variety of developments to enjoy.
L-O-V-ENat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s classic “L-O-V-E.” You’ve probably heard it, right? His slightly innocent, charming voice makes your heart skip a beat! When the big band joins in partway through, its sparkling sound creates a wonderfully fun vibe.
It’s a light, romantic song that’s perfect for a date!
SpainChick Corea
Released in 1972.
It was first introduced by Chick Corea’s band Return to Forever.
The piece opens with the second movement of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.
This mellow atmosphere suddenly shifts into hot jazz.
It has been covered by various musicians, and in Japan Ayaka Hirahara and Toshinobu Kubota added lyrics and performed it.
MistyErroll Garner
It’s a piece composed in 1954 by jazz pianist Erroll Garner.
It’s said that while Garner was traveling by plane, a charming melody suddenly came to him in the midst of fog.
With its sweet and approachable style, it’s often used as background music in popular vocal settings.
My Back PagesKeith Jarrett
Keith Jarrett is a well-known pianist in Japan, and he has left many classic recordings in both trio and solo formats.
Among his early works, a recommended piece is the song “My Back Pages.” It’s a folk classic performed in a jazz style, and it has a very sentimental feel.
I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You)Benny Goodman
This is clarinetist Benny Goodman’s “I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You).” It’s an urban, romantic tune that feels just like a Tom and Jerry soundtrack! Benny Goodman was one of the most prominent players in the genre known as swing jazz, which is very popular among Japanese listeners.
Swing jazz is, in familiar terms, somewhat like a school concert band.
If you watch the movie “Swing Girls,” you’ll gain a deeper understanding of swing jazz!
In The MoodGlenn Miller
It’s a piece composed by Joe Garland, but it became a huge hit through the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s performance and is now one of their signature numbers.
It’s also known as a quintessential big band tune, and many people have probably heard it since it was featured in the Japanese film Swing Girls.
It’s a familiar tune from commercials as well.
