10 Free Jazz Music Videos You Need to See
Contents
Looking for some great jazz music videos? Check out our top 10 picks – all available for free online. From classic performances to modern masterpieces, there’s something for everyone in this list.
Introduction
Everyone loves free stuff, especially when that free stuff is high-quality jazz music videos. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just getting started, these ten videos are a great introduction to the wonderful world of jazz.
1. “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane: Considered one of the greatest jazz albums of all time, “A Love Supreme” is a must-listen for any fan of the genre. This live performance video captures the energy and intensity of Coltrane’s music perfectly.
2. “So What” by Miles Davis: Another Jazz legend, Miles Davis’ “So What” is one of the most iconic pieces in the genre. This live performance video is a great example of Davis’ style and charisma on stage.
3. “Birdland” by Weather Report: One of the most popular jazz fusion bands of all time, Weather Report’s “Birdland” is a classic in the genre. This live performance video captures the band’s tight musicianship and dynamic energy.
4.”Take Five” by Dave Brubeck: A true classic, Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” is one of the most well-known pieces in all of jazz. This live performance video is a great example of Brubeck’s signature style and unique approach to composition.
5.”Thelonious Monk Quartet with Sonny Rollins and Coleman Hawkins at Carnegie Hall”: This live performance video features three jazz giants at the top of their craft. Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, and Coleman Hawkins come together for an unforgettable set at Carnegie Hall.
6.”Kind Of Blue” by Miles Davis: Another classic album from Miles Davis, “Kind Of Blue” is considered one of the best jazz albums ever made. This live performance video captures the band’s laid-back cool and beautiful playing.
7.”Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock: A staple of Hancock’s catalog, “Maiden Voyage” is a timeless piece of jazz fusion perfection. This live performance video features Hancock at his best, leading his band through this complex and beautiful composition.
8.”Giant Steps” by John Coltrane: Another legendary figure in jazz, John Coltrane was known for his complex and virtuosic playing style. This live performance video captures Coltrane at his best, tearing through this fast-paced tune with ease.
9.”Freedom Jazz Dance” by Eddie Harris: A fun and funky piece from Eddie Harris, “Freedom Jazz Dance” is a great example of his electric style. This live performance video features Harris’ signature blend of soulful playing and showmanship.
“A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane
“A Love Supreme” is a 1964 jazz album by American saxophonist and bandleader John Coltrane. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential jazz recordings of all time. The album’s recording took place in one session on December 9, 1964, at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and was released by Impulse! Records in February 1965.
The album features Coltrane on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, and piano; McCoy Tyner on piano; Jimmy Garrison on double bass; and Elvin Jones on drums. It is dedicated to “the Almighty,” bearing a dedication that Coltrane wrote in his personal copy: “A Love Supreme”, by John Coltrane, was inspired by my sincere belief in the power of prayer. To God be the Glory.”
The four-part suite that comprises the entirety of A Love Supreme was written over the course of several months in 1963 and 1964. The first section, “Acknowledgement”, features a solo from each band member before they come together for the main theme. This basic chord progression is then repeated with different improvised solos over top. The second section, “Resolution”, consists mainly of a solo piano performance by McCoy Tyner. The third section, “Pursuance/Psalm”, begins with another solo from each band member before again resolving into the main theme. This time, however, the solos are much more fast-paced and frenetic. The final section, “Psalm”, is a bravura performance by Elvin Jones on drums which leads into an emotional statement of the main theme by Coltrane on tenor saxophone.
The album was met with nearly unanimous critical acclaim upon its release and has been hailed as one of the greatest albums in jazz history. In 1998, it was awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award; in 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it #46 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time; and in 2005, Time listed it as one of their 100 all-time greatest albums.
“So What” by Miles Davis
Miles Davis’ “So What” is a classic example of Jazz. This 9 minute and 8 second video features Miles Davis and his band playing at the 1948 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert.
“Blue in Green” by Bill Evans
This tune, written by Evans and recorded in 1959, became one of the most iconic jazz standards of all time. “Blue in Green” is a beautiful ballad that features Evans’ delicate touch on the piano and Miles Davis’ soulful trumpet playing.
“Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
“Take the ‘A’ Train” is a 1941 composition by Duke Ellington that became the signature theme of his orchestra. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song is named for and introduced by the New York City Transit Authority’s A train that runs from Inwood in Manhattan to Far Rockaway in Queens.
The composition includes one of the most famous jazz riffs of all time. The original recording by the Duke Ellington Orchestra was inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2005.
“Mood Indigo” by Charles Mingus
Mingus is one of the most important figures in jazz history, an innovative bassist and composer who successfully blended elements of bebop, swing, blues, and gospel music into his own unique style. “Mood Indigo” is a perfect example of Mingus’s ability to craft soulful melodic themes, as well as his gift for writing complex yet accessible arrangements. The video below features a live performance by the Mingus Dynasty band, which was formed by Mingus’s widow Sue Graham in the 1980s.
“All Blues” by Miles Davis
“All Blues” by Miles Davis is a classic example of jazz music. The video features footage of Miles Davis and his band performing the song live. The video is in black and white and has a vintage feel to it.
“My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane
One of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” is a must-see for any fan of the genre. This video features Coltrane performing the tune with his legendary quartet, which included pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones.
“Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk
“Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk is a timeless classic and one of the most popular jazz standards of all time. This free video features Monk performing the tune with his legendary trio, which includes Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone and Larry Gales on bass.
“Autumn Leaves” by Bill Evans
“Autumn Leaves” by Bill Evans is a classic jazz standard that has been performed by many artists over the years. This particular version is from Evans’ 1959 album “Kind of Blue.” The song features Evans’ trademark modal jazz piano style and is a great example of his work with the Miles Davis Quintet.
