[Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

What kind of impression do you have of the musical genre known as jazz?

You might think of it as somewhat stylish, or perhaps a bit intimidating and highbrow.

The history of jazz, which includes many subgenres, can’t be summed up easily—and of course, it’s not just music from a bygone era.

This time, for those who are interested but don’t know where to start, we’ve picked out a selection of classic, standard albums that have gone down in jazz history—perfect as your first listen.

Be sure to check them out!

[Start with this one] Jazz masterpieces: a must-listen album selection (21–30)

Work SongCannonball Adderley

Cannonball Adderley Sextet – Work Song (Jazz Scene, 1962)

Work SongCannonball Adderley

While the West Coast showcases meticulous ensembles and a refined sound, the East Coast—since Charlie Parker—has advanced the art of improvisation, further highlighting the appeal of individual players.

Cannonball Adderley, with his overwhelming expressive power, is one of the saxophonists who exemplify this.

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Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller & His Orchestra

Moonlight Serenade

Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller & His Orchestra

Big band jazz has the power and impact of a large ensemble, and among the white big bands, some produced elegant ensembles influenced by classical music.

Glenn Miller’s big band performance of “Moonlight Serenade” is a representative example.

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ChameleonHerbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock – Chameleon (FULL VERSION)

ChameleonHerbie Hancock

A collaboration by Herbie Hancock, saxophonist Bennie Maupin, bassist Paul Jackson, and drummer Harvey Mason.

The track features a jazz bassline set to a funk beat.

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In the MoodGlenn Miller

In the Mood

In the MoodGlenn Miller

Recorded in 1939, the song became a major hit in early 1940.

It was composed by Joe Garland with lyrics by Andy Razaf.

It was inspired by a piece titled “Tar Paper Stomp,” recorded in 1930 by New Orleans bandleader Joseph “Wingy” Manone.

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Stormy WeatherLena Horne

Lena Horne Stormy Weather

Stormy WeatherLena Horne

A song first sung by Ethel Waters at Harlem’s Cotton Club under the title “Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin’ All the Time).” This distinctive recording by Lena Horne is said to be the best-known version.

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Someday My Prince Will ComeBill Evans

Bill Evans　”Someday My Prince Will Come”

Someday My Prince Will ComeBill Evans

Bill Evans, a master of classical piano who also absorbed Bud Powell’s revolutionary jazz piano techniques, further evolved the harmony of jazz improvisation, and his harmonic approach has become the prototype for modern jazz piano.

Even this theme song from a Disney film turns into jazz when Bill plays it.

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Take the A TrainDuke Ellington & John Coltrane

Duke Ellington, “Take the A Train”

Take the A TrainDuke Ellington & John Coltrane

A song written by Billy Strayhorn.

It has been used in many films, including Paris Blues starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, the romantic comedy The Pallbearer, and Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

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