Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Jazz has a longer history than rock or pop and encompasses many subgenres, so it’s no surprise that many people feel it’s a bit intimidating to get into.
Some may have a mental block because of the image they have of jazz, but in fact, there are countless famous jazz tunes you’ve probably heard somewhere—whether as timeless standards loved across generations, or as songs used in commercials and film scores.
In this article, we’ve gathered recommended classics and popular tracks that even jazz beginners can enjoy.
Focusing on vintage jazz numbers while mixing in standout tracks from contemporary jazz artists who’ve been attracting attention in recent years, we present a richly varied selection.
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- A classic jazz ballad from Western music. A world-famous masterpiece and popular song.
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- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (61–70)
Moonlight in VermontZoot Sims
When it comes to mellow saxophonists, no one surpasses Zoot Sims.
He’s a musician whose playing appeals to connoisseurs, and his song selections are wonderfully diverse.
This rendition of “Moonlight in Vermont” is a masterpiece that showcases the very best of Zoot Sims.
Sakura StampSaori Yano
A charming work that heralds the arrival of spring was released in March 2005.
Characterized by Saori Yano’s warm tone, this album is perfect for spring drives and picnics.
Collaborations with powerhouse musicians like Nicholas Payton and Eric Alexander also shine.
Yano’s fresh, vibrant playing seems to symbolize springtime in Japan and is sure to make your heart dance.
It’s a must-listen not only for jazz fans but also for anyone who wants to feel the changing of the seasons.
You’ll surely be captivated by Yano’s mature expressiveness, which stands in striking contrast to her youth.
AntiguaElvin Jones
Elvin Jones is a familiar drummer to Japanese audiences.
He’s come to Japan many times and even plays in small clubs.
Japanese musicians like him, and he often performs with them.
The piece that always gets played then is Antigua.
It’s got a great groove and is really cool, so it’s recommended even for jazz beginners.
Give Me the NightGeorge Benson
George Benson is a guitarist known to anyone who loves jazz.
He started out playing hard-edged jazz, but later performed funky music while singing himself.
You can enjoy a pop vibe in “Give Me the Night” as well.
I Got RhythmHampton Hawes
Unassuming yet indispensable in the history of jazz piano—that’s Hampton Hawes.
“I Got Rhythm” is a performance where you can fully savor Hawes’s technique.
I think it’s perfect for those seeking a more subdued, classic jazz vibe.
CameleonHerbie Hancock
From the late 1960s into the 1970s, jazz began incorporating electric instruments, and one of the key contributors to this shift was Herbie Hancock.
His album Head Hunters was a major hit, and it opens with Chameleon.
It’s a classic that still makes your heart leap, isn’t it?
Softly, as in a Morning SunriseSonny Clark
Sonny Clark’s “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise” is an essential classic for anyone who listens to jazz.
Many pianists have performed this tune, but isn’t Sonny Clark’s rendition the standout? This is the song that makes many people fall in love with jazz.