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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Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (71–80)
Circles On BlackJosh Lawrence
Josh Lawrence’s ambitious project, which fuses modern jazz sensibilities with color theory, arrived in March 2018.
Featured on the album “Contrast,” this piece attempts to revive the innovative spirit of bebop for the present day.
Centered on trumpet, the soundscape woven by accomplished musicians on saxophone, piano, and more is as vivid as a painting.
By conveying jazz history and social messages not through explicit lyrics but via tone and improvisation, it sparks the listener’s imagination.
Highly recommended for those looking to explore new facets of jazz or to experience deep storytelling through music.
CountryKeith Jarrett
It’s a piece composed by Keith Jarrett, included on his 1987 album My Song.
Rather than a jazz standard, it feels more like earthy pop, showing a different side of Jarrett.
I imagine many of his fans are quite fond of this track.
West End BluesLouis Armstrong
West End Blues, a classic blues piece by Joe “King” Oliver.
It was Louis Armstrong’s performance that made the piece famous.
His unaccompanied trumpet introduction is said to have been groundbreaking at the time and is considered to have had a major influence on later jazz.
Since it’s a 1928 recording, you can also hear his singing voice at age 26.
Classic Western jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (81–90)
Memories Of YouLouis Armstrong
Composed in 1930, the song was first recorded by Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman’s version later became a hit.
The piece is also known for Goodman’s signature intro.
Because his performance was such a big success, it came to be seen as an essential number for clarinetists.
BoplicityMiles Davis
Trumpeter Miles Davis, sometimes called the “Emperor of Modern Jazz,” walked alongside the history of jazz, taking on different forms of expression in each era.
On his 1957 album Birth of the Cool, however, he performs a relaxed, softly shaded style of jazz.
Known in Japan as “The Birth of Cool,” this album is considered the origin of cool jazz, and among its tracks, Boplicity stands out as a masterpiece whose delicate expression lingers in the ear.
All of YouMiles Davis
Composed by the great songwriter Cole Porter, this piece has been covered by numerous vocalists, but in terms of instrumental performances, Miles Davis’s version is probably the best known.
Lyrically, it conveys a desire to love everything about you and to have control over you.
It’s Only A Paper MoonNat King Cole
It’s a song that became a hit for Nat King Cole.
Originally, it was a number from the play “The Great Magoo.” The lyrics were written by Billy Rose and E.
Y.
Harburg, and the music was composed by Harold Arlen.
Its original title was “If You Believed in Me,” which came from the song’s final phrase.