Recommended classic jazz songs for men

SummertimeAlbert Ayler

Summertime

Albert Ayler is one of the free-jazz saxophonists.

His vibrato is distinctive, and he’s often described as “a saxophonist who produces ghost-like sounds.” Although many of Albert Ayler’s pieces are challenging, this performance is relatively accessible, and the sobbing, lamenting tone of his saxophone is especially striking.

You’d Be So Nice to Come Home ToArt Pepper

Art Pepper－You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To

It’s the jazz standard “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To.” The version sung by the female jazz vocalist Helen Merrill is well-known in Japan thanks to its use in a TV commercial, but Art Pepper’s performance is a must-hear masterpiece—especially for men.

SolitudeBen Webster

Ben Webster – Solitude

This is “Solitude,” a standard composed by Duke Ellington.

The performer here, Ben Webster, is regarded—alongside Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young—as one of the three great tenor saxophonists of the swing era, and the airy, breathy quality of his tone in this performance creates an irresistibly good mood.

A Night in TunisiaBud Powell

Bud Powell – A Night in Tunisia

A Latin jazz number composed by the trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie, “A Night in Tunisia.” Performed by Bud Powell, a leading pianist of the bebop style, the slightly loosened, off-kilter way he plays the theme is quite striking.

Take FiveDave Brubeck

Dave Brubeck – Take Five

This is “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, known as a leading pianist of West Coast jazz.

It was included on the 1959 release Time Out.

Composed by his longtime partner, saxophonist Paul Desmond, it became one of Dave Brubeck’s signature pieces.

Fire WaltzEric Dolphy

Eric Dolphy & Booker Little Quintet at the Five Spot – Fire Waltz

A work that recorded the performances at the Five Spot, often cited as one of Eric Dolphy’s masterpieces.

Most notably, “Fire Waltz” features incredibly thrilling, driving solos.

The interplay with trumpeter Booker Little in the theme section makes it a particularly engaging track.

MistyErroll Garner

Erroll Garner plays Misty

The piece is “Misty,” famous as a jazz standard.

The pianist performing it, Erroll Garner, is renowned for creating original, beautiful melodies, and this performance truly exemplifies that!