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

N.E.W.Uehara Hitomi

N.E.W.

This is an insert track from the animated film BLUE GIANT, crafted by world-renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara.

The piece captures the passion of Dai Miyamoto and his fellow young jazz musicians, featuring a powerful, high-energy performance by piano, saxophone, and drums.

Released as a soundtrack in February 2023, it has been widely embraced by jazz fans.

The free, improvisational interplay of Uehara’s piano, Tomoaki Baba’s saxophone, and Shun Ishiwaka’s drums seems to call on listeners to pursue their dreams.

Listening to this piece, which colors the film’s climax, may inspire you to take on something new yourself.

FIRST NOTEUehara Hiromi

FIRST NOTE

This piece pulses with the fiery soul of jazz.

The sounds spun from Hiromi Uehara’s keys seem to reflect the brilliance of youth.

The exquisite interplay with sax and drums stirs the listener’s heart.

Written specifically for the film BLUE GIANT, released in February 2023, this work expresses the passion and growth of the film’s protagonists.

It’s a must-listen not only for jazz lovers but also for anyone hoping to carve out their own path through music.

It just might open the door to new possibilities.

Anpanman’s MarchTokyo Burasu Sutairu

Anpanman's March

Tokyo Brass Style is a Japanese brass band made up of female members.

They perform famous songs—such as anime themes—in jazz arrangements, and this one is the universally known Anpanman theme.

Weaving in phrases that jazz fans will recognize—like something out of the jazz classic In the Mood—they turn Anpanman’s March into jazz with a swing rhythm.

The must-hear highlights are the mid-section ad-lib session between sax and piano, the solos handed off to trumpet, and the trombone backing that joins in.

SUNSETBlu-Swing

SUNSET / BLU-SWING

As the title suggests, how about enjoying it while watching the sunset? It’s a track by the five-piece jazz band BLU-SWING.

It was included on their third album, “TRANSIT,” released in 2014.

The wistful vocals are wonderful—so gentle and soothing.

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Araki Jakkan

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A Woman Needs JazzJUJU

「MAKE IT DELICIOUS」 from BLUE NOTE TOKYO

JUJU’s “A Woman Needs Jazz” is a jazz number characterized by simple lyrics and an easy-to-remember melody.

Since most of the lyrics are in Japanese, even those who aren’t confident in English can enjoy it without worry.

The English that appears partway through is also very repetitive, so it should be easy to memorize.

The melody is simple, reusing the main motif, which makes it a great recommendation for people who usually sing pop, too.

There is a distinctly jazz-like melodic line in the middle, so be careful not to go off pitch there!

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Yuuki

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NEWDAYSSchroeder-Headz

Schroeder-Headz 「NEWDAYS」 MV

A refreshing jazz number that heightens the excitement of camping.

It’s a track by Schroeder-Headz, a trio centered around keyboardist Shunsuke Watanabe.

Released in 2010 as the title track of the album.

Perfect for watching the sunrise.

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Araki Jakkan

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Ghibli Piano JazzHisaishi Joe

Ghibli Jazz 30 Songs: Studio Ghibli Winter Night Jazz Piano Collection – Piano Cover by Relax Music BGM CHANNEL

When you turn Ghibli into jazz, the vibe changes and it suddenly feels much more grown-up.

The sound is lovely too; it’s more like you’re absentmindedly thinking, “Oh, a jazz piano solo, nice,” and then you realize, “Wait, it’s Ghibli!” That natural feel is the best.