My Favorite ThingsDave Brubeck1rank/position

Dave Brubeck – My Favorite Things

Dave Brubeck, known as a quintessential West Coast jazz pianist, studied classical music from a young age, and his playing shows a strong classical influence.

His well-known rendition of “My Favorite Things,” released in 1966, gained popularity for its calm, stylish melody.

It’s recommended for those who enjoy chic tunes with a touch of melancholy.

“Homecoming” Jingle BellsDave Brubeck2rank/position

“Homecoming” Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells, written and composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857.

Is there anyone who doesn’t know this song? Since Jingle Bells is always played around town during the Christmas season, I think it’s a very familiar tune.

It’s also often assigned as a school song, so it might be fun to try singing it.

BlueRondo À la TurkDave Brubeck3rank/position

The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Blue Rondo à la Turk

This piece, “Blue Rondo À la Turk,” was composed by Dave Brubeck—famous for recording “Take Five”—after he was inspired by the rhythms played by Turkish street musicians.

It’s built on a rhythmic pattern of 2 + 2 + 2 + 3, followed by a pattern of 3 + 3 + 3.

It’s fascinating how the tune evokes elements of folk and classical music as much as jazz.

Brubeck wrote other pieces in odd meters as well, so it’s fun to compare and contrast them.

I Feel PrettyDave Brubeck4rank/position

I Feel Pretty

Originally composed by Leonard Bernstein for the musical West Side Story, this piece is likely familiar to many in Japan as well, since the film was a major hit there.

With its charming triple meter and cool West Coast jazz performance, it feels like a track that could bring a refreshing breeze to the hot summer.

Someday My Prince Will ComeDave Brubeck5rank/position

Someday My Prince Will Come

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.

Spring In Central ParkDave Brubeck6rank/position

Spring In Central Park

This is a masterful performance that captures the breath of spring arriving in an urban oasis through graceful piano melodies.

It’s a gem of an instrumental piece crafted by American heavyweight Dave Brubeck in 1964 for the television program “Mr.

Broadway,” and included on the album “Jazz Impressions of New York.” The seamless interplay with alto saxophone virtuoso Paul Desmond is wonderfully satisfying, vividly conjuring scenes of lush parks blending into the cityscape of New York.

The footsteps of people strolling through dappled sunlight and the calm atmosphere wrapped in fresh greenery are beautifully expressed through delicate touch and rhythmic playing.

Please enjoy this piece as a soothing companion for a tranquil afternoon.

Summer SongDave Brubeck7rank/position

Summer Song

Fiery jazz that turns up the heat on a hot summer is great, but when you want to cool down a bit, this track is perfect.

Composed by Dave Brubeck—renowned as a leading West Coast jazz pianist who blends classical training with a distinctive sense of improvisation—it’s a masterpiece whose flowing performance and soul-stirring melody feel wonderfully soothing.

If you long for a quiet summer night to spend alone in contemplation, why not choose this piece as your BGM? By the way, there are versions by his quartet, a solo piano rendition, and even a vocal version by Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong, so be sure to give them all a listen.