The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
Have you ever wondered what exactly people mean by “modern jazz,” a term you often hear within jazz? If you’re new to jazz and have that question, you’re not alone.
Modern jazz generally refers to the period spanning from “bebop,” which emerged in the mid-to-late 1940s, to modal jazz, which appeared in the late 1950s.
You could even call modern jazz the classic, mainstream form of jazz, and many of the genre’s most iconic albums and songs were created during the modern jazz era.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of great modern jazz tunes.
If you’re thinking of giving jazz a listen, this is the perfect chance to check them out!
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The Royal Road of Jazz: Masterpieces of Modern Jazz. Must-listen popular tracks (1–10)
St. ThomasSonny Rollins
It’s a jazz standard with a lively rhythm and melody that makes you want to start dancing! “St.
Thomas” was composed by Sonny Rollins, one of the leading saxophonists in the jazz world, and it opens his masterpiece 1956 album, Saxophone Colossus.
In fact, the piece is based on the English traditional song “The Lincolnshire Poacher,” which made its way to the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean and evolved into a children’s song.
It’s said that the idea for “St.
Thomas” came from Rollins’s childhood memory of his mother, who was from the Virgin Islands, singing it to him as a lullaby.
Because of that history, the tune incorporates the energetic rhythms of calypso.
Some even say this was the first piece to bring calypso elements into jazz.
Moanin’Art Blakey
When asked who the greatest jazz drummer is, many people would likely name Art Blakey.
He is also known as the creator of the so-called Niagara Roll, a technique of rapid, intricate drum rolls.
His drumming skills are on full display in the track “Moanin’.” With the drums taking the lead, the piece has a buoyant, bouncing sound.
As you listen, you can’t help but start to sway along.
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home ToArt Pepper
This song is also known for Helen Merrill’s vocals, and since it was used in commercials in Japan, many of you may have heard it.
Composed by Cole Porter in 1942, it has been performed by many artists as a famous jazz standard.
Among them, this rendition by Art Pepper is particularly well-known and highly regarded.
Art Pepper was born in California in 1925.
His playing is associated with West Coast jazz and is characterized by an intellectual, light, and cool style.
The Royal Road of Jazz: Modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should hear at least once (11–20)
Left AloneMal Waldron
Mal Waldron is a renowned pianist in genres such as so-called hard bop and soul jazz, and he is also known for having accompanied the legendary Billie Holiday in her later years.
The song introduced here, Left Alone, is the title track of an album Waldron dedicated to Billie Holiday, who passed away in 1959.
In Japan, it is also famous for being sung by the jazz singer Marlene in the 1986 film Cabaret.
The lyrics were written by Billie herself, but unfortunately no recording of her singing the piece exists.
In Left Alone, the main melodic line is expressed on alto saxophone by Jackie McLean.
With its wistful melody and sophisticated band ensemble, it lingers in the heart—a modern jazz classic that truly evokes the night.
Autumn LeavesCannonball Adderley
Autumn Leaves, known in Japan as Kareha, is a standard number that has continued to be loved by people all over the world—one that almost everyone has heard at least once, whether they’re jazz fans or not.
It originally began as a chanson in France, but jazz artists took a liking to it, and it became globally known as a jazz standard as well.
As a jazz standard, the most famous versions of Autumn Leaves are probably Bill Evans’s rendition or the one included on alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley’s classic 1958 album Somethin’ Else.
It’s also known as one of the earliest versions to bring Autumn Leaves into the jazz world, and the interplay between Miles Davis—who is said to have effectively led the album—and Cannonball Adderley is incredibly cool!
Cleopatra’s DreamBud Powell
I think many music fans love fast-tempo piano pieces.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce Bud Powell.
He’s a pianist who uses his own distinctive technique to play the keyboard at incredible speed.
You can enjoy ultra-fast performances in many of his works, but my top recommendation is “Cleopatra’s Dream.” The title literally means the dream of Cleopatra, and as you might imagine, the piece has an exotic atmosphere.
What does an exotic piece played at breakneck speed sound like? Be sure to check it out for yourself.
Full HouseWes Montgomery
This piece was composed by Wes Montgomery, and the video features his own performance.
As one of his signature works, it lets you fully appreciate his famed octave technique.
Born in 1923, he came from a musical family in which his brothers were also jazz musicians.
The title of this piece is thought to be taken from a poker hand, and indeed he was known to have many children—his house was said to be a full house.
To support his family, he led a grueling life, working at a factory during the day and performing at clubs at night.