[Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners

Someday My Prince Will ComeBill Evans

Someday My Prince Will Come

In Japanese, it’s known by the title “Itsuka Ōjisama ga.” It’s the familiar song from Disney’s Snow White.

It’s used in the scene where Snow White, asked to perform by the dwarfs at the welcome party, sings about her faint feelings for a young man.

Thanks to its beautiful melody and interesting chord progression, many jazz musicians have embraced it, and it has now become a jazz standard.

It’s a piece that retains the original’s charming atmosphere while adding a stylish jazz flavor.

Fly Me To The MoonFrank Sinatra

Fly Me To The Moon (2008 Remastered)

“Fly Me to the Moon,” a famous song often sung not only in a jazz style but also with a bossa nova rhythm.

Among a certain generation in Japan, many may associate it with a female vocal performance as the ending theme of the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, but here I’d like to introduce Frank Sinatra’s version.

Popular in both pop and jazz, he was a quintessential American entertainer.

Days Of Wine And RosesOscar Peterson

Days Of Wine And Roses

As an introductory CD for jazz beginners, Oscar Peterson Trio’s album “We Get Requests” is almost always recommended.

Also known in Japan by the title “Please Request,” this album is full of great tunes, but this one in particular is my top pick.

Although it runs for less than three minutes, you can fully savor Oscar Peterson’s clear, articulate piano touch.

The piece—also known in Japanese as “Sake to Bara no Hibi” (Days of Wine and Roses)—is a famous standard, so many other musicians have recorded it as well.

Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller

Glenn Miller & His Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade (Audio)

Composed in 1939 by trombonist Glenn Miller, this piece is one of the signature works of swing jazz and served as the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s band theme.

It has been featured in many commercials as well as in performance scenes in the film Swing Girls.

The original arrangement is a slow big band number that features the clarinet, and its rich emotional quality even led Mitchell Parish to later add lyrics, allowing it to be performed as a vocal song.

Watermelon ManHerbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man (1962)

Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man” is widely known as a jazz-funk classic that introduced electric instruments, and it’s a piece frequently performed by wind ensembles.

However, those familiar only with the jazz-funk version might be surprised by how different this jazz version feels.

In particular, the trumpet and saxophone—almost earthy in their grit—exude the rhythmic allure unique to Black music.

Over the RainbowKeith Jarrett

Keith Jarrett – Over the Rainbow (Tokyo 1984) [Restored]

When it comes to Keith Jarrett, there are stories like him stopping a performance mid-concert in anger at the sound of audience members coughing, but everyone acknowledges the extraordinary artistry of his piano playing.

While he often performs standard tunes with a piano trio, this one is a solo piano performance.

Please listen to it—an interpretation that conveys a sense of sublime beauty.

Little Peace in CMICHEL PETRUCCIANI

Michel Petrucciani TRIO – Little peace in C for U

In traditional jazz, the bass is often played on an upright (double bass), but there is also jazz performed on electric bass.

This piece is by the French pianist Michel Petrucciani, and it’s a gripping track where the unique techniques of the members collide.

Although he passed away at 36 due to a congenital illness, his sound is full of energy that never hints at his struggle.