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 Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Moanin’Art Blakey
Not only is it an important classic in the history of jazz, but if there’s a song that transcends the genre and enjoys wide recognition, it’s “Moanin’.” This title track opens the masterpiece album “Moanin’,” released in 1958 by jazz legend Art Blakey—famed for his “Niagara roll” drumming technique.
Composed by Jazz Messengers pianist Bobby Timmons under Blakey’s leadership, the brilliance of this piece hardly needs reiteration.
As a quintessential example of funky jazz, it’s been used in commercials here in Japan as well, so many of you have likely heard it.
For those just starting to explore jazz, this is a highly recommended first track!
So WhatMiles Davis
The jazz standard “So What,” credited on Miles Davis’s classic album Kind of Blue, is a standout track that advances the hard bop style and establishes a new musical approach known as modal jazz.
Built on a single minor chord with simple changes that pivot up a half step at key moments, the piece features improvisation using the church mode known as the Dorian scale, delivering a thrilling performance.
The evolving, performance-driven jazz style of the time is essential listening!
Take FiveDave Brubeck, Paul Desmond
Known as a jazz standard, Take Five is a rare piece performed in an unusual 5/4 time signature.
Its distinctive rhythm and catchy melody are likely familiar to many listeners.
Dave Brubeck, the composer of Take Five, encountered Bulgarian music played in an unusual 9-beat meter while visiting Turkey during a tour of the Eurasian continent.
Intrigued by the unique character of that sound, Dave returned to the United States and set out to compose using unconventional rhythms—resulting in Take Five.
Although there had been jazz pieces in 5/4 before, Take Five became a classic widely recognized by the public thanks to its memorable melody and rhythm.
Since many people have heard it, be sure to remember the title too!
Blue TrainJohn Coltrane
“Blue Train,” which also became the title of John Coltrane’s 1957 album, is a celebrated classic in Blue Note’s popular 1500 series and a track where you can truly experience the essence of jazz.
Centered on the groove laid down by bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones—who played with Coltrane in the Miles Davis band—the superb interplay between the horns of John Coltrane and Lee Morgan is a major highlight.
Autumn LeavesCannonball Adderley
Known by its Japanese title “Kareha” (Fallen Leaves), Autumn Leaves was originally a chanson but is also a quintessential jazz standard.
There are countless versions performed at various tempos, but the most famous is likely this medium-tempo take from Cannonball Adderley’s 1958 album Somethin’ Else.
Following the striking introduction, Miles Davis’s plaintive, almost weeping trumpet is truly a masterpiece.
Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones
If you want to explore jazz from the 2000s or are looking for great vocal jazz numbers, “Don’t Know Why” is an absolute must-know classic.
It’s a track from the stellar 2002 debut album “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones, a singer-pianist who has come to represent the post-2000 jazz scene.
The album was a massive hit in Japan as well, reaching beyond traditional jazz fans to listeners who usually enjoy pop and fans of female vocalists.
If this song starts playing in a cozy afternoon café, it’s guaranteed to put you in the best mood.
Even if you’re hesitant about jazz, this track has a universal appeal that makes it effortlessly accessible.
Take The A TrainDuke Ellington
Perhaps here in Japan, more people would recognize it by its Japanese title, “A Ressha de Ikou,” than by the original title.
It’s a jazz standard born in 1939 and a quintessential tune that has continued to be loved across generations.
Not only is Duke Ellington one of the most important figures in jazz history, he’s also renowned as a leading musician of the 20th century; his orchestra released the record in 1941, and it went on to become hugely popular as the band’s theme song.
With its lively, sprightly rhythm, it’s a fun piece that has been widely used in Japan for commercials and TV theme songs, and it’s a masterpiece covered by major artists such as Hibari Misora.
Incidentally, the “A Train” refers to a New York City subway line.