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 jazz songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
A Love Supreme, Pt. I – AcknowledgementJohn Coltrane
John Coltrane is one of the giants of modern jazz, and he left numerous achievements not only as a saxophonist but also as a composer.
This piece is the first track on his landmark album A Love Supreme.
The album draws significant influence from non-Western music, including Indian and African traditions, and it is said that Coltrane reached a new artistic pinnacle with this work.
In The MoodGlenn Miller
It’s a piece composed by Joe Garland, but it became a huge hit through the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s performance and is now one of their signature numbers.
It’s also known as a quintessential big band tune, and many people have probably heard it since it was featured in the Japanese film Swing Girls.
It’s a familiar tune from commercials as well.
My Back PagesKeith Jarrett
Keith Jarrett is a well-known pianist in Japan, and he has left many classic recordings in both trio and solo formats.
Among his early works, a recommended piece is the song “My Back Pages.” It’s a folk classic performed in a jazz style, and it has a very sentimental feel.
St.ThomasSonny Rollins
This is a famous tune by saxophonist Sonny Rollins that opens with a distinctive drum intro by Max Roach.
It appears as the first track on the 1956 album Saxophone Colossus, and its bright mood makes it a perfect opener for the record.
Characterized by its use of the calypso rhythm from Caribbean music, it has become a classic jazz standard that continues to be performed by many jazz musicians.
Someday My Prince Will ComeDave Brubeck
This song became famous as an insert song in the 1937 American animated feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Dave Brubeck was the first to cover it in 1957.
Since then, it has been performed by renowned jazz musicians and has become a jazz standard.
Duet Solo DancersCharles Mingus
The album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, released in 1963 by bassist Charles Mingus.
In Japan it was given the somewhat dubious title “Kuroi Seija to Tsumi Aru Onna” (“The Black Saint and the Sinful Woman”), but this album—recorded by a large 11-piece band—is a grand work in the form of a suite.
Among its tracks, Duet Solo Dancers is constructed like a film score, offering a variety of developments to enjoy.
MistyErroll Garner
It’s a piece composed in 1954 by jazz pianist Erroll Garner.
It’s said that while Garner was traveling by plane, a charming melody suddenly came to him in the midst of fog.
With its sweet and approachable style, it’s often used as background music in popular vocal settings.