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 (1–10)
ConfirmationCharlie Parker
This is one of the signature tunes by the master alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, who can be said to have shaped the bebop era within the jazz genre.
It’s a piece that’s very popular at jam sessions where jazz musicians gather to play, and both its chord progression and its head embody bebop—packed with the essence of the style.
Later, Jon Hendricks wrote lyrics for it, and it’s sometimes performed by vocalists as well.
Take The A TrainDuke Ellington
Perhaps here in Japan, more people would recognize it by its Japanese title, “A Ressha de Ikou,” than by the original title.
It’s a jazz standard born in 1939 and a quintessential tune that has continued to be loved across generations.
Not only is Duke Ellington one of the most important figures in jazz history, he’s also renowned as a leading musician of the 20th century; his orchestra released the record in 1941, and it went on to become hugely popular as the band’s theme song.
With its lively, sprightly rhythm, it’s a fun piece that has been widely used in Japan for commercials and TV theme songs, and it’s a masterpiece covered by major artists such as Hibari Misora.
Incidentally, the “A Train” refers to a New York City subway line.
Sing Sing SingBenny Goodman
Composed by trumpeter Louis Prima and released in 1936, the piece opens with a striking drum-solo introduction.
When the Benny Goodman Orchestra picked it up in 1938, it quickly became popular and turned into one of the band’s signature numbers.
It is still performed today by many big bands and swing bands, from professionals to amateurs, and many in Japan may remember it being featured in the film Swing Girls.
Famous jazz classics from Western music. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
I Love You For Sentimental ReasonsNat King Cole
This song is often performed by jazz vocalists, but perhaps the best-known version is the one recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946.
It was written by Ivory Watson and William Best and was first released in 1945, the year the war ended.
It’s a ballad that clearly conveys a straightforward feeling: I didn’t fall for you because of some strange calculation; I fell for you out of pure feelings.
Nostalgia (The Day I Knew)Samara Joy
The bright, elegant sound of the horn section is gentle and beautiful.
This is a song by Samara Joy, the songstress who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
It’s included on her classic album Linger Awhile, released in September 2022.
For this piece, she wrote lyrics to an improvised performance by a legendary trumpeter.
She also performed it on a popular talk show.
In a voice as smooth as silk, she tells the story of the fateful day she knew, “This is the one.” How about this song for an anniversary dinner with someone special? Its sweet, nostalgic mood will touch the heart and make your time together even more wonderful.
When You Wish upon a StarKeith Jarrett
Released in 1940, the song features lyrics by Ned Washington and music by Leigh Harline.
Sung by Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket in the Disney film Pinocchio, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Its beautiful, familiar melody is loved by people of all ages around the world and is frequently performed as a jazz standard.
Because it relates to stars, it is also often heard during the Christmas season.
What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong—affectionately known as “Satchmo”—was one of the most revered musicians in the 20th-century jazz scene.
Though a trumpeter, he also left behind many classic songs with his distinctively raspy singing voice.
Here, we introduce Armstrong’s smash hit, “What a Wonderful World.” Written and composed in 1967 by renowned music producer Bob Thiele, the song was recorded and released by Armstrong when he was already in his mid-60s.
It reached number one on the charts not in the United States but in places like the United Kingdom, becoming a global hit.
In Japan, it has also been featured in commercials and films, so many of you may already know it.
Its all-embracing vocals and melody are enough to warm your heart just by listening.