Classic Dixieland jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.

West End BluesLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – West End Blues

This is the classic “West End Blues,” performed by jazz vocalist and trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

It was composed in 1928 by Joe “King” Oliver, a jazz composer who was also Armstrong’s mentor, and it remains recognized as a jazz standard.

The most famous version is this one.

The opening section of the piece features an arrangement added by Armstrong, said to be a playful adaptation of practice phrases from a text he studied.

Dynamite RagJ Russell Robinson

“Dynamite Rag” (J Russell – Robinson) Played by the Peerless Orch C 1912

The classic “Dynamite Rag,” composed by Indiana-born jazz and ragtime composer J.

Russel Robinson, features not only brass instruments but also comically toned percussion, creating a lively atmosphere.

Robinson was active as a pianist from his teenage years and devoted his life to music.

Surprisingly, however, he had polio as a child and did not have full use of his right hand.

Even so, he refused to stop performing and developed his own unique technique.

Ain’t misbehavin’Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – Ain’t misbehavin’ (1955) [Digitally Remastered]

A 1955 recording of the Dixieland jazz classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” In Japan, it’s known as “Uwaki wa Yameta” (“I Quit Fooling Around”), and the lyrics depict a once-mischievous man who’s mending his ways.

The composer, Fats Waller, was reportedly in a period when he had to pay alimony to his ex-wife while writing the song (laughs).

In a sense, it’s a piece where his personal life strongly shines through, giving us a glimpse into his background.

It’s also a must-hear for those who want to enjoy Louis Armstrong’s deep vocals and freewheeling trumpet solos.

At the Jazz Band BallBix Beiderbecke

At the Jazz Band Ball – Bix Beiderbecke and His Gang, 1927

The classic At The Jazz Ball in the Bix Beiderbecke and His Gang version.

Recorded in 1927, this piece is also an early work by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band—said to be the first group ever to record jazz—and is considered historically very important.

While the interwoven melody and rhythm can give a somewhat hectic impression, the cornet’s rounded tone lends the piece a certain comic charm.

Be sure to check it out.

Livery Stable BluesOriginal Dixieland Jazz Band

Original Dixieland Jass Band – Livery Stable Blues (1917)

Jazz has a long history, but in the early days it was enjoyed simply as popular music and had no commercial aspect.

The band performing “Livery Stable Blues,” the Original Dixieland Jass Band, was the first artist in the jazz world to release a commercially produced record, and they had a tremendous influence on later jazz music.

It’s no exaggeration to call this the beginning of jazz.

If you want to feel the history of jazz, be sure to check it out.

Toddlin’ BluesBix Beiderbecke

Toddlin’ Blues

It’s no exaggeration to say that Bix Beiderbecke was the jazz musician who contributed most to the development of jazz culture in the 1920s.

His improvisation-centered playing style profoundly influenced many jazz musicians, including Miles Davis and Chet Baker—icons of the cool jazz movement that flourished in the 1950s.

His achievements in pioneering the jazz ballad style are compelling, and his heartfelt, wistful melodic lines are deeply moving.

What a wonderful worldLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Official Video)

One of Louis Armstrong’s signature songs, also known by his nickname “Satchmo,” is What a Wonderful World.

Released in 1967, the song has been used in various commercials both in Japan and abroad.

As a jazz standard, it has been covered by many artists, so chances are you’ve heard it before.

Painted with a dream of a peaceful world, this song can lift your spirits and help you feel more positive when you’re down.