Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
Among the many styles of jazz, swing jazz is especially groovy.
While each piece has its own distinctive features, swing tends to blend easily with contemporary music, and it continues to evolve today in forms like electro-swing.
This time, we’ve picked out works renowned as classic masterpieces of swing jazz! Even those unfamiliar with jazz will recognize many of these famous tunes, making them great for beginners.
Of course, we’ve also included some lesser-known gems, so jazz enthusiasts won’t want to miss this either!
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Swing jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Take The “A” TrainDuke Ellington
Known in Japan by the title “A Ressha de Ikou,” the swing jazz classic “Take the ‘A’ Train” is celebrated not only as a quintessential swing piece but also as one of the great standards of the jazz world.
Composed in 1939 by Duke Ellington, it was released by his orchestra in 1941.
Even listeners unfamiliar with jazz can enjoy its highly catchy, memorable melody.
Stompin At The SavoyBenny Goodman
The swing jazz classic known in Japan as “Savoy de Stomp,” Stompin’ at the Savoy, was composed in 1934 by Edgar Sampson.
Because Benny Goodman’s name appears in the credits, it’s often mistaken as his composition, but it was actually written by Sampson.
This time, I’ve picked the version performed by Benny Goodman.
Let’s DanceBenny Goodman
Benny Goodman’s classic “Let’s Dance.” Released in 1935, this swing jazz piece served as Goodman’s opening number for over 50 years.
Its melody is crafted with a brisk, infectious energy perfectly suited to an opener—truly the kind of jazz you can dance to.
I’d recommend it to fans of bright, lively jazz and to those who enjoy electro-swing.
Swing jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (11–20)
Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller
Moonlight Serenade is a famous song known as a jazz standard.
It was composed in 1939 by the world-renowned jazz musician Glenn Miller.
The original is a relaxed, slow swing jazz piece, but many artists and bands have created various arrangements of it.
In Japan, many people may have come to know it through the film Swing Girls.
This time, we’ve selected the original performance by Glenn Miller.
Little Brown JugGlenn Miller
Little Brown Jug, the classic released in 1869 by Philadelphia-born artist Joseph Winner.
As the year suggests, it’s a swing jazz standard that has been loved by jazz fans for many decades.
It’s such a popular tune that it was even included in Japanese elementary school textbooks at one time, but in fact it’s a piece themed around alcohol (lol).
Perhaps because of that background, the melody carries a luxurious and cheerful vibe.
King Porter StompBenny Goodman And His Orchestra
King Porter Stomp, released in 1923 by Jelly Roll Morton, is known as a famous jazz standard in swing jazz and has inspired numerous covers.
It was originally a piano solo, but over time it began to be performed by bands as well, and its sprightly rhythm has kept it beloved for many years.
This time, we’re highlighting an arrangement by the great jazz musician Benny Goodman.
Bugle Call RagBenny Goodman
If you want to enjoy swing jazz brimming with impact, we recommend “Bugle Call Rag.” This jazz number was created in 1922 by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings; it was originally titled “Bugle Call Blues,” but later became widely known by its current name.
It’s a piece often performed by big bands, and its powerful melody pairs perfectly with the big band sound.
For this selection, we’ve chosen a cover performed by Benny Goodman’s orchestra.