Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.

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!
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

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.

Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (71–80)

Satin DollOscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson Trio: Satin Doll (1988)

Satin DollOscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson is also a pianist well known in Japan.

He’s considered one of the greats, with no one surpassing him when it comes to playing standards.

“Satin Doll” is a famous standard, too, and it’s easy to listen to.

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Golden EarringsRay Bryant

Ray Bryant Trio – Golden Earrings

Golden EarringsRay Bryant

Ray Bryant may not be flashy, but he’s a pianist favored by connoisseurs.

His playing is heavy and sombre, which really resonates with the Japanese sensibility.

Golden Earrings has a nostalgic melody and is a very accessible classic.

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Social CallSamara Joy

Samara Joy – Social Call (Live Performance) | Vevo

Social CallSamara Joy

It’s a tune composed by jazz player Gigi Gryce, to which vocalist Jon Hendricks later added lyrics.

The lyrics basically mean something like, “I dropped by to say hello to a woman I’m a bit interested in.” Even though they were added later, they’re quite stylish, aren’t they? In winter, we often visit acquaintances’ homes for Christmas parties and such, so it’s a perfect song for the situation.

Samara Joy is an American jazz singer who has won a Grammy Award.

I’m excited to see what she does next.

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Now’s the TimeCharlie Parker

Now’s the Time

Now's the TimeCharlie Parker

There are countless classics in the 12-bar jazz blues tradition, and among the most famous is saxophonist Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time.” His distinctive phrases have deeply influenced many jazz musicians, and this piece features quintessential, textbook examples of them.

Although he passed away at the young age of 34, his achievements truly helped shape the very foundations of jazz.

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Hat And BeardEric Dolphy

Hat And Beard

Hat And BeardEric Dolphy

Out to Lunch!, released in 1964, is the album that jazz bass clarinet pioneer Eric Dolphy recorded just before his death.

One of its tracks is Hat and Beard, a piece that showcases his distinctive rhythms and phrasing.

Incidentally, the title “hat and beard” refers to the pianist Thelonious Monk.

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Maiden VoyageHerbie Hancock

Maiden Voyage (Remastered 1999/Rudy Van Gelder Edition)

Maiden VoyageHerbie Hancock

Here’s the title track from Herbie Hancock’s fifth album, released in 1965.

While the album features many sea-themed title tracks, it’s not just a concept album; in this piece, Hancock tries something new, resulting in a track that went on to have a major impact on later jazz.

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Giant StepsJohn Coltrane

Giant Steps (Mono)

Giant StepsJohn Coltrane

This is an album released by Atlantic Records in 1960.

When it was reissued, six bonus-track takes were added and it was sold on CD.

The title track, “Giant Steps,” drew attention among jazz fans for its rapidly shifting, complex chord progressions—which didn’t fit the hard bop style he had excelled in up to that point—and its densely notated saxophone lines.

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