Today's Jazz: Tunes for today! A selection of timeless classics and contemporary jazz

MetroJUJU

JUJU 'Metro' Music Video Full Version

This ballad by JUJU opens with a piano melody that breathes refined jazz.

Released in October 2018, it portrays the feelings of a girl taking her first step into adulthood, with a subway commuter pass in hand.

Produced by two of Japan’s leading figures, Kiyoshi Matsuo and Takeshi Kobayashi, the track brings out the very best of JUJU’s artistry.

Chosen as the theme song for Tokyo Metro’s “Find my Tokyo.” campaign, it also drew attention for its music video starring Nana Komatsu.

Drawing on JUJU’s experience with jazz in the United States, her vocals blend deep emotion with urban sophistication, gently embracing a heart wavering between dreams and reality.

Perfect for a calm night alone, this gem lets you savor the beauty of a Japanese ballad infused with jazz elements.

A-TrainHarunobu Hara to Shaapusu & Furattsu

Take the 'A' Train — Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats

I’m completely blown away! I really got to savor the unique appeal of jazz played by a full band.

There are parts that even feel like a train is running.

The theme may be trains, but it would also be great to listen while driving and taking in the scenery.

It puts you in a cheerful, buoyant mood.

“Medley of Tracks from ‘Deluxe★Tea’” HIBI★Chazz-K at Shibuya JZ Brat Sound of Tokyo

"Luxury★Tea" Recorded Tracks Medley — HIBI★Chazz-K at Shibuya JZ Brat Sound of Tokyo

This is a jazz medley by the saxophone ensemble HIBI★Chazz-K.

It’s incredible how powerful it sounds with just four saxophones and percussion! The sound has real depth, and I was amazed to realize how many different roles the saxophone can play.

Each performer is insanely skilled…!

Moanin’Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – Moanin’

This piece plays an important role in the anime Kids on the Slope, which is centered around jazz.

It’s also frequently used as background music on TV shows, so many of you might think, “I’ve heard this before!” For jazz musicians, it’s a classic you can’t avoid.

Just as the protagonist, Kaoru Nishimi, awakens to jazz, why not dive into jazz yourself through this song?

Christmas Song, Piano Jazz – The Jazz Christmas CollectionBuddha Tribe

Christmas Songs, Piano Jazz – The Jazz Christmas Collection

A piano solo jazz medley of Christmas songs.

It runs about 30 minutes—neither too long nor too short—making it perfect for easy listening.

It’s an ideal medley for Christmas party background music.

It has a mature yet fun vibe, and it’s exactly what you want to hear when the weather turns cold.

Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin

Rhapsody in Blue (Pianica Version)

This piece, which seems to fuse jazz and classical music, is by the American composer George Gershwin.

It was also performed in the popular anime “Nodame Cantabile,” which features classical music.

It’s a masterpiece that continues to be played by many musicians.

In the original, the clarinet solo is particularly striking, but in both the anime and live-action drama versions, the protagonist Megumi Noda performs while wearing a mongoose costume, and “Nodame” plays the melodica, so a Pianica (melodica) version is featured.

While the source material centers on classical music, the ending is actually orchestral jazz.

Small Ensemble Wind Band: Swing Swing MedleyMusicEight1965

Small Ensemble Wind Band: Swing Swing Medley

After all, jazz and wind ensembles go really well together.

Maybe it’s especially because swing is often played by big bands.

There was a slightly unusual melody that popped up in the middle that made me think, “Huh?”—but that’s part of the fun, and overall it’s an enjoyable medley.