[Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once

Someday My Prince Will ComeBill Evans Trio

Someday My Prince Will Come/Bill Evans Trio (1960) *Public domain

Some people might not recognize what song it is just from the original title, “Someday My Prince Will Come,” but if you hear the Japanese title, “Itsuka Ōjisama ga,” you probably think, “Ah, that one.” It’s a song from the 1937 Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, sung by Adriana Caselotti, who also voiced Snow White.

Even beyond Disney fans, it’s a beloved popular song worldwide—an eternal standard with countless cover versions across genres, and few would dispute that.

In the jazz world, heavyweights like Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis have covered it, and Bill Evans in particular returned to the song repeatedly; numerous recordings exist, including the version on the timeless, landmark album Portrait in Jazz.

If you’re a jazz fan, you might even be more familiar with the instrumental versions than the original vocal one.

Feeling GoodNina Simone

Nina Simone – Feeling Good (Official Video)

As a song symbolizing freedom, liberation, and new beginnings, it has left a lasting mark on many people’s hearts.

Its powerful, emotive vocals inspire hope and courage in listeners.

Included on the 1965 album “I Put a Spell on You,” it became one of Nina Simone’s signature works.

It drew renewed attention in 1994 when it was used in a Volkswagen commercial in the UK.

Imbued with Simone’s convictions, closely tied to the civil rights movement, this piece is recommended listening at life’s turning points or before embarking on new challenges.

It will lighten your heart and give you the courage to look ahead.

Autumn LeavesCannonball Adderley

Autumn Leaves

As the title “Autumn Leaves” suggests, the melody carries a certain wistfulness that many people will feel they’ve heard somewhere before.

While “Autumn Leaves” is cherished as a famous jazz standard, the original version was a chanson titled “Les Feuilles mortes.” It traces back to accompaniment music for a ballet composed in 1945 by Joseph Kosma, a Hungarian-born composer who had moved to France.

The following year, screenwriter Jacques Prévert added lyrics, and the song appeared in Marcel Carné’s film “Gates of the Night,” sung by Yves Montand—marking the beginning of “Les Feuilles mortes.” Later, Juliette Gréco’s performance brought the song wider recognition, and when English lyrics were added and the piece was introduced to the United States, it received the title “Autumn Leaves.” After a winding journey, the song came to be loved in America as well.

From the late 1950s onward, prominent jazz musicians began covering it in earnest; the versions on Cannonball Adderley’s “Somethin’ Else” and Bill Evans’s “Portrait in Jazz” are especially well known.

It’s also great fun to compare the chanson “Les Feuilles mortes” with its jazz arrangements and enjoy the differences.

Take The A TrainDuke Ellington

Duke Ellington, “Take the A Train”

The piece known in Japan by the extremely famous title “A Ressha de Ikō” is, in fact, “Take the ‘A’ Train,” one of the quintessential jazz standards and the theme song of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which sparked the prewar swing boom with its overwhelming performances and produced many standards.

While Duke himself left behind numerous masterpieces as a composer, “Take the ‘A’ Train” was actually written at his request by Billy Strayhorn, the orchestra’s pianist.

It was premiered by the band in 1941, released on record, and became a major hit.

The “A Train” refers to New York City’s A subway line—that is, the subway—and perhaps the swinging rhythm and rolling piano tone led some listeners to picture a powerful train running under a blue sky.

In Japan, many singers and ensembles have covered the song; among the famous versions, Hibari Misora sang a rendition with Japanese lyrics that was also released as a single, and Japan’s renowned big band Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats likewise featured the number.

SpainChick Corea

Chick Corea – Spain – Live At Montreux 2004

As a standard number born within the jazz fusion genre, on par with Weather Report’s “Birdland” in fame and popularity, wouldn’t it be Chick Corea’s masterpiece “Spain”? First performed by the renowned fusion group Return to Forever—formed in 1972 around keyboardist Chick Corea and bassist Stanley Clarke—the track appears on their second album, “Light as a Feather,” released in 1973.

Known as one of Corea’s signature tunes, it’s a gem whose rhythmic yet wistful main flute phrase, rhythms informed by Latin music and Afrobeat, and superb improvisations by each instrument blend into a stunning whole.

Naturally, it’s been covered countless times, leaving many outstanding performances, and there’s even a cover version featuring Japan’s celebrated jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara performing with Chick Corea himself.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out the album “Duet,” which the two released together in 2008.

Stolen MomentsOliver Nelson

Oliver Nelson Septet – Stolen Moments

It is a masterpiece that could be called a pinnacle of jazz, woven from luscious melodies and sophisticated harmonies.

Released in 1961 on Oliver Nelson’s album “The Blues and the Abstract Truth,” this piece quickly became a jazz standard.

It is distinguished by its unique 16-bar form and a structure that skillfully incorporates elements of minor blues.

The beautiful phrases played by Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Nelson on saxophone captivate listeners and won’t let go.

A must-listen for everyone who loves jazz.

How High the MoonElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald- “How High The Moon/Epic scat” LIVE 1966 [RITY Archives]

Here is a jazz standard that weaves a moving love story.

Sung by Ella Fitzgerald, known as the Queen of Jazz, this piece is memorable for its poignant lyrics that compare the emotional distance between lovers to the height of the moon.

Her clear voice and masterful scat singing further enhance the song’s charm.

Since its premiere at Carnegie Hall in September 1947, it has continued to captivate many fans.

It’s a perfect track not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for those troubled by love—a classic to savor on a quiet night.