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

I imagine there are many people who are interested in jazz but don’t know where to start listening.

To be honest, I used to be one of them.

Traditional jazz can seem a bit intimidating, and even when I try some of the recent hit vocal albums, I can’t tell how they’re different from pop.

The more I look into it, the more confusing it gets… you know the feeling.

So I’ve picked out some tracks that balance “clarity” and a genuine “jazz vibe,” ones I can recommend even to first-time listeners.

You might be surprised to recognize some famous tunes and think, “Wait, this is jazz too?”

Playlist

[Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1north_eastMoanin’Art BlakeyJazz drummer Art Blakey 1...
2south_eastAutumn LeavesChet Baker&Paul DesmondAlso known by its Japanese title “Kareha” (Fallen Leaves)…
3eastWaltz for DebbyBill EvansThe o... of jazz pianist Bill Evans
4eastMy Favorite ThingsJohn ColtraneThe musical “The Sound of Musi…
5eastL-O-V-ENat King Cole"LOVE," known for its bright and lighthearted sound, is popular...
6eastRound MidnightMiles DavisThe pi… composed by pianist Thelonious Monk
7eastNow’s The TimeCharlie ParkerThere are many great tunes in the 12-bar jazz blues...
8eastSomeday My Prince Will ComeBill EvansIn Japanese, the title is 'Someday My Prince Will Come'...
9north_eastDays Of Wine And RosesOscar PetersonIt’s often said that this is a must-have introductory CD for jazz beginners…
10south_eastFly Me To The MoonFrank SinatraNot only jazz, but also set to the rhythm of bossa nova...
11eastMoonlight SerenadeGlenn MillerIn 1939, the trombonist Glenn Mi...
12eastWatermelon ManHerbie HancockHerbie Hancock’s “Watermel…”
13eastOver the RainbowKeith JarrettWhen you think of Keith Jarrett, “Concert...
14eastLittle Peace in CMICHEL PETRUCCIANIIn traditional jazz, the bass is a wood ba…
15eastTake the “A” TrainDuke EllingtonIn Japan, it’s known by the title “Take the A Train”…
16eastSt. ThomasSonny RollinsIn jazz, terms like “swing” and “bounce bi…
17eastMorning SpriteChick CoreaThe classic go-to rec— for songs recommended to jazz beginners...
18eastCleopatra’s DreamBud PowellIt's characterized by melodious, easy-to-listen-to solos...
19eastMy Funny ValentineChet BakerAmong the great jazz standards, the gently mellow, slow...
20eastBright Size LifePat MethenyBeyond the framework of traditional jazz guitar, uniq...
21eastCentral Park WestJohn ColtraneColtrane’s spring masterpiece, a serene allure
22eastAlmost BlueChet BakerIt may not be all that well-known, but…
23eastWhat A Wonderful WorldLouis ArmstrongA song that even people who aren’t interested in jazz know
24eastSpring, Spring, SpringJohnny MercerA cheerful melody brimming with the vibrant life force of spring, and...
25eastCountdownJohn ColtraneIn the context of 'BLUE GIANT', that is...
26eastBags’ GrooveMilt JacksonA “jazz blues” composed of 12 bars…
27eastCaravanDuke EllingtonReleased in the United States in 2014, it won an Academy...
28eastSummertimeElla FitzgeraldJust from the title, it seems like an upbeat, summery...
29eastTake FiveDave BrubeckWhat is famous for its distinctive rhythm in 5/4 time is…
30eastGiant StepsJohn ColtraneAmong famous jazz tunes are some fiendishly difficult pieces that make even seasoned players want to cry…
31eastI Got RhythmSonny StittOne of the jazz chord progressions is the “Rhythm Ch…”.
32eastSing Sing SingBenny GoodmanThe 2004 Japa… starring Juri Ueno…
33eastSatin DollJoe PassEven if you say “jazz guitar,” I’m not very familiar with jazz…