The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

The Royal Road of Jazz: Modern Jazz Masterpieces. Popular Songs You Should Hear at Least Once (51–60)

Lullaby of BirdlandGeorge Shearing

George Shearing – Lullaby of Birdland

Lullaby of BirdlandGeorge Shearing

Known as a timeless classic in jazz history, this piece was composed in 1952 by the blind pianist George Shearing.

Created as an homage to a legendary New York jazz club, it is said to have been completed in just ten minutes.

Featuring a gentle, soothing melody and romantic lyrics that liken lovers’ affection to birdsong, it has been covered by many jazz artists.

In Japan, it is also known by the title “Bādorando no Komoriuta” (Lullaby of Birdland).

This masterpiece is recommended not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking a romantic atmosphere.

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In conclusion

Many jazz beginners who listened to the gems introduced this time probably thought of them as the quintessential, archetypal image of modern jazz.

As mentioned at the beginning, many standard numbers were born from works classified as modern jazz, and legendary players who left their mark on history emerged.

Listening to modern jazz is, in other words, experiencing the very heart of jazz itself!