Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.

Night And DayFrank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra – Night And Day (1957 version)

Here is a song Cole Porter wrote for the 1932 musical The Gay Divorcee, first performed by the tap-dance master Fred Astaire.

It was later released as a record and became so popular that it reached number one in the United States.

His songs often have long verse sections, and their distinctive qualities, including unique chord progressions, have made them beloved jazz standards for both vocalists and instrumentalists.

The lyrics are passionate, expressing how the singer thinks of their beloved night and day.

Red TopErroll Garner

Red Top

A piece by the American jazz pianist Erroll Garner.

He began playing piano at the age of three and was self-taught, yet it’s said that he never learned to read sheet music throughout his life.

He was also left-handed, and his left-hand rhythm and right-hand melody were reportedly slightly offset.

As a result, this became his own unique groove, which he translated into his music.

The freedom in his playing, unconstrained by conventions, is part of his appeal.

This piece, too, stands out for its brightness and the light, quintessentially jazzy feel!

Black GoldEsperanza Spalding

Black Gold by Esperanza Spalding [OFFICIAL]

This woman, who looks incredibly cool singing while playing the bass, is Esperanza Spalding from Portland, Oregon, USA.

She’s a multi-instrumentalist who plays not only the bass but many other instruments, and her talent extends far beyond the confines of jazz.

Undoubtedly one of the most important artists on the jazz scene since the 2000s, she released “Black Gold” in 2012— a track included on her acclaimed album Radio Music Society, which won the 55th Grammy Award.

Although the theme it explores is quite serious, the melody is beautiful, and it’s a song I highly recommend to pop and soul fans as well.

Over the RainbowJudy Garland

Judy Garland – Over The Rainbow (Subtitiles)

This theme song from the musical The Wizard of Oz is Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow.” It’s a classic beloved and covered by many musicians.

It gives you a sense of excitement, as if foreshadowing the adventure to come.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful vocals of the then-young Judy Garland.

You And The Night And The MusicMal Waldon trio

Mal Waldron Trio – You and the Night and the Music

It’s a song composed by Arthur Schwartz, with lyrics, that is often performed by jazz vocalists.

Of course, many instrumentalists have featured it as well, so many of you have likely heard it.

As the title suggests, it evokes the atmosphere of a nighttime jazz club.

Spanish KeyMiles Davis Sextet

Spanish Key (Hd Remastered Version)

As jazz evolved, he incorporated a wide range of genres, and his 1970 album Bitches Brew—representative of the period often called his “electric Miles” era for its bold use of electric instruments—is no exaggeration to call a work of great importance in jazz history.

Among its tracks, Spanish Key stands out as a masterpiece characterized by a powerful performance that even evokes funk and rock.

A Lover’s ConcertoSarah Vaughan

sarah vaughan – A Lover’s concerto

“Lover’s Concerto,” sung by Sarah Vaughan, one of the three great female jazz vocalists.

It originally comes from a famous classical piece, to which lyrics were added and the arrangement given a jazz flavor.

It has a somewhat nostalgic feel, doesn’t it? Curiously, it shares something in common with Japanese kayōkyoku.

It might even be fun to sing it with Japanese lyrics!