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 (81–90)
SummertimeNina Simone
Composed by George Gershwin in 1935 for the opera Porgy and Bess, with lyrics by DuBose Heyward.
It is known as a jazz standard.
It has been widely sung across genres such as pop and rock, resulting in numerous cover versions.
Cool Struttin’Sonny Clark
The title track of Sonny Clark, a genius pianist in the jazz world, released in 1958, “Cool Struttin’,” is said to be a number that every jazz fan knows.
The tracks on the same album comprise some of the most played songs in the history of Japanese jazz kissaten (jazz cafés), making it a popular recommendation both for beginners and devoted enthusiasts.
OleoSonny Rollins
Composed in 1954 by the iconic tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, this tune uses the Rhythm Changes chord progression.
Pieces that use Rhythm Changes are often played at fast tempos, and because the progression is so well known, they really fire up the crowd when performed at jam sessions.
The slightly tricky head is super cool, isn’t it?
The Girl From IpanemaStan Getz
Stan Getz is also one of the giants of the tenor saxophone, but his most famous recording is this “The Girl From Ipanema,” in which he plays Brazilian samba.
With Gilberto’s vocals, the song became a worldwide hit and is still often listened to today.
Getz’s cool sound is just electrifying, isn’t it?
Round MidnightThelonious Monk
It’s the song “Round Midnight” by American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.
It’s a classic that involved various artists in its creation, with trumpet player Cootie Williams and songwriter Bernie Hanighen adding lyrics, among others.
It’s a very cool, mature kind of jazz piece.
Perfect for sleepless nights.
Kurdish DanceYosuke Yamashita
Yosuke Yamashita is, needless to say, one of Japan’s leading jazz pianists.
He is a globally renowned free jazz performer, yet his playing is driven by energy that bursts forth from within.
Kurdish Dance is a later-period piece themed around the Kurdish people, and its exotic melodies are rendered in an accessible, listener-friendly way.
Classic jazz songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (91–100)
Work SongCannonball Adderley Quintet
This is the song Work Song by Cannonball Adderley, the saxophonist who played with the King of Jazz, Miles Davis.
It’s a track where you can fully enjoy his eccentric and highly technical solos.
In fact, his younger brother, cornetist Nat Adderley, also plays on this tune.
Enjoy the perfectly synced performance of the two!