The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
Have you ever wondered what exactly people mean by “modern jazz,” a term you often hear within jazz? If you’re new to jazz and have that question, you’re not alone.
Modern jazz generally refers to the period spanning from “bebop,” which emerged in the mid-to-late 1940s, to modal jazz, which appeared in the late 1950s.
You could even call modern jazz the classic, mainstream form of jazz, and many of the genre’s most iconic albums and songs were created during the modern jazz era.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of great modern jazz tunes.
If you’re thinking of giving jazz a listen, this is the perfect chance to check them out!
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The Royal Road of Jazz: Masterpieces of Modern Jazz. Popular Tracks You Should Listen to at Least Once (31–40)
It Never Entered My MindStan Getz
Stan Getz, the prince of the jazz world.
This work features a strings arrangement paired with jazz saxophone.
It seems likely that artists like Yuji Ohno of Lupin the Third were greatly influenced by it.
In any case, it fits perfectly with a sunset.
Look, the sun’s about to set.
Let’s leave it for tomorrow.
Five Spot After DarkCurtis Fuller
The harmony of the trombone and tenor sax really captures a rugged, masculine vibe.
With no alto instrument taking the lead, it has a subtly burnished, old-silver quality.
Even so, it swings properly and doesn’t feel heavy.
Dads out there are doing their best.
And of course, they drink.
Blue in GreenMiles Davis
This beautiful ballad, included on the landmark album Kind of Blue and known as a masterpiece of modal jazz, is credited as a collaboration between Miles Davis and Bill Evans.
It was recorded on March 2, 1959, at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York.
Its delicate, lyrical melody leaves a deep impression on listeners.
The performance—woven together by Davis’s trumpet, Coltrane’s saxophone, and Evans’s piano—has been praised as a “masterpiece of unparalleled lyricism.” Covered by many musicians as a jazz standard, it continues to be loved to this day.
It’s a moving piece you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
DjangoModern Jazz Quartet
Known as a masterpiece in the history of jazz, this piece was composed in 1954 by John Lewis.
Written as an homage to Django Reinhardt, who had passed away the previous year, it opens with a theme like a dirge, imbued with deep sorrow and melancholy.
Its structure departs from the traditional AABA form, adopting a distinctive design that, while influenced by the blues, also includes an homage to J.
S.
Bach.
In 2000, it was selected by NPR as one of the 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century, a testament to its high artistic regard.
It’s a recommended listen not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to relax with music on a quiet night.
A Night In TunisiaCharlie Parker
A track featuring the father of bebop technique—nicknamed Bird (Charlie)—and Miles playing together.
It’s said that it took a lot of trial and error before “bebop,” where you break down chords and reconstruct them while swinging during your solos, was born.
Things got so chaotic at times that, depending on who you ask, there were even incidents like the drummer throwing a cymbal at him—or maybe not.
[The Royal Road of Jazz] Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once (41–50)
Autumn LeavesMiles Davis Quintet
Speaking of jazz, “Autumn Leaves”—yes, this very recording.
The trumpet is by Miles.
Miles’s trumpet feels like a wintry wind, while Adderley’s saxophone carries a warmth like a patch of sunlight under an autumn sky.
This contrast embodies “autumn” itself and is deeply lyrical.
It’s the number-one favorite tune in Japan.
Recommended for when you want to cry alone.
Infant EyesWayne Shorter
Composed by Wayne Shorter, who was inspired by the innocent gaze of his own daughter, this piece appears on the classic 1966 album Speak No Evil.
It is a beautiful ballad distinguished by deep emotion and complex harmonies.
The melody and harmony unfold with delicate elegance, as if reflecting a father’s love and his feelings for his daughter.
With contributions from renowned jazz musicians such as Freddie Hubbard and Herbie Hancock, it is highly regarded as a work that opened new horizons in modern jazz.
It’s a song best savored alone on a quiet night, or shared when you want to connect heart-to-heart with someone special.