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[Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once
When you hear the term “jazz standards,” what songs come to mind?
In fact, many of the tunes you’ve probably heard at least once in TV commercials or as background music in department stores are jazz standards.
This time, with “standards” as our theme—beloved for years as jazz music—we’ll introduce a wide range of classics, from songs originally written for films that went on to be covered repeatedly by jazz artists, to numbers composed by jazz musicians themselves.
We’ll present a broad lineup spanning everything from famous prewar pieces and postwar modern jazz to notable ’70s fusion tracks and even popular music from the ’80s.
[Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once (1–10)
What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Green trees, red roses, blue skies, and the colors of the rainbow.
Celebrating the beauty of nature, this gem of a ballad was released in 1967 by jazz legend Louis Armstrong.
Its lyrics gently depict people shaking hands and babies growing up, imbued with human compassion and hope for the future.
Armstrong’s warm, rich low voice further enhances the song’s charm.
Rediscovered after its use in the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam, it was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Give it a listen when your heart feels weary or when you want to be reminded of the world’s beauty.
Take FiveDave Brubeck
The iconic Take Five—celebrated for its title-inspired 5/4 time signature, its rhythmically groovy feel, a catchy saxophone melody, and an inventive mid-track drum solo—is a remarkably cool masterpiece included on the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s 1959 album Time Out.
While Dave Brubeck, known as a leading pianist of West Coast jazz, led the quartet, the piece itself was composed by the group’s alto saxophonist, Paul Desmond.
Unusual for its time with its quintuple meter, Take Five was re-released as a single in 1961 and became a hit, reaching No.
25 on the Billboard chart; it is said to have become the first jazz single to sell over one million copies.
It has been covered countless times; in Japan, Tak Matsumoto—famed as the guitarist of B’z—has featured the song twice on his solo albums.
Frequently used in commercials, TV programs, and even as background music for figure skating short programs, it is truly a standard among standards, worthy of its legendary status.
Cheek to CheekElla Fitzgerald
A classic that captures a blissful moment is brought back to life by Ella Fitzgerald’s voice.
She sings, with rich expressiveness, the happiness felt through a sweet dance with a lover.
Included on the 1956 collaborative album Ella and Louis with Louis Armstrong, this piece is distinguished by the exquisite harmony of their voices.
With its light tempo and romantic lyrics, it’s recommended not only for those in love but for anyone who wants to spend a happy time with someone.
Ella’s voice will whisk you away to a dreamlike “heaven.”
April in ParisCount Basie
A classic that poetically captures the charm of spring in Paris comes back to life infused with big band soul.
The sparkling arrangement performed by Count Basie’s orchestra will make listeners feel the arrival of spring.
Though recorded in 1955, the piece still radiates undimmed appeal.
Released in 1957 as the album “April in Paris,” it continues to captivate jazz fans.
Also featured in the film “Blazing Saddles,” this work is perfect when you want to savor the buoyant mood of spring or indulge a longing for Paris.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy a masterful jazz performance.
So WhatMiles Davis
Miles Davis, one of the most famous trumpeters in jazz history and a great musician who released many masterpieces that pushed jazz to the next level.
His 1959 album Kind of Blue, a work of enormous influence beyond jazz itself, is a modern jazz masterpiece that defined modal jazz and a landmark recording with worldwide sales exceeding ten million copies.
The piece featured here is So What, the celebrated track that opens this classic.
The miraculous 9 minutes and 22 seconds born from the ensemble of jazz titans—Miles himself, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb—can only be described as a uniquely precious musical experience.
Consistently ranked at or near the top of jazz standards lists, the song has naturally been beloved by subsequent artists, frequently covered, and continues to be cherished across generations as an eternal standard.
Let the detailed music-theory analysis be left to the experts; for now, simply surrender yourself and savor the luxurious time spent with the music crafted by these extraordinary musicians.
All BluesMiles Davis
Here is a masterpiece that shines in the history of jazz.
Its 6/8 rhythm creates a distinctive sense of buoyancy, the chord progression is simple yet profound, and the lyrics evoke the sea, the sky, and human emotion.
These elements blend beautifully to captivate listeners.
Featured on Miles Davis’s album Kind of Blue, released in August 1959, this work has become a jazz standard covered by many musicians and was also used in films such as American Beauty.
It’s a song that suits a quiet night alone just as well as time spent with someone special.
MistySarah Vaughan
The queen of jazz delivers a masterpiece that likens the sweet feelings of falling in love to mist.
Her rich power and expressive nuance brilliantly capture a wavering heart—truly striking.
Released in 1958, the song became a popular standard covered by many artists.
In 1971, it was even used as a film title, boosting its recognition further.
Its relaxed tempo and romantic melody make it perfect for anyone feeling the tenderness and uncertainty of love.
Surrender yourself to Sarah Vaughan’s voice and relive both the joy and the anxiety of romance.