The Best Jazz Songs to Listen to Right Now
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With a history that spans over 100 years, jazz has provided some of the most iconic tracks of our time. From swinging big bands to unforgettable vocalists, here are the best jazz songs to listen to right now.
The Best Jazz Songs to Listen to Right Now
If you’re looking for the best jazz songs to listen to right now, you’ve come to the right place. From classics by Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to modern masterpieces by Wynton Marsalis and Brad Mehldau, here are 50 of the best jazz songs ever recorded.
1. “So What” by Miles Davis
2. “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
3. “My Funny Valentine” by Chet Baker
4. “All Blues” by Miles Davis
5. “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis
6. “A Love Supreme, Part I: Acknowledgement” by John Coltrane
7. “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane
8. “Naima” by John Coltrane
9. “Misterioso” by Thelonious Monk
10. “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker
11. “Ornithology” by Charlie Parker
12. “Salt Peanuts” by Dizzy Gillespie & Kenny Clarke
13. “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie & Ella Fitzgerald
14. “Ko-Ko” by Charlie Parker Quintet
15.”Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
16.”In Walked Bud” by Thelonious Monk
17.”Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk
18.”Straight, No Chaser” By Thelonious Monk
19.”Take Five” By Dave Brubeck Quartet
20.”So What?” By Miles Davis
21.”Impressions” By John Coltrane
22.”Miles Runs the Voodoo Down” By Miles Davis
23.”Freedom Jazz Dance” By Eddie Harris
24.”Freddie Freeloader” By Miles Davis
The Best Jazz Albums of 2020
The best jazz albums of 2020 include a wide range of sounds, from traditional to experimental. These are the records that have kept us entertained and inspired all year long.
One of the standout releases of the year is Moses Boyd’s debut album, ‘Dark Matter.’ The London-based drummer and producer draws on a range of influences, from Afrobeat to hip-hop, to create a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Other highlights include saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s ‘Heaven and Earth,’ which features some of the most beautiful and melodic playing of his career, and pianist Brad Mehldau’s ‘After Hours,’ a collection of solo recordings that showcase his artistry and technical mastery.
With so much great music being released, it was difficult to narrow down our list to just 10 albums. But these are the records that we think are essential listening for any fan of jazz.
The Best Jazz Songs of All Time
There are countless great jazz songs out there, but which ones are the best of all time? Here is a list of 10 of the greatest jazz songs ever recorded.
1. “So What” by Miles Davis
2. “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
3. “All Blues” by Miles Davis
4. “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis
5. “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington
6. “In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington
7. “Tea for Two” by Art Tatum
8. “ Over the Rainbow” by Erroll Garner
9. “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins
10. “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie
The Best Jazz Pianists of All Time
There is no shortage of great jazz pianists to listen to, but when it comes to narrowing down the best of the best, there are a few names that stand out above the rest. Here are some of the best jazz pianists of all time.
Thelonious Monk was a groundbreaking artist who helped to define the bebop style of jazz piano. He was known for his eccentricity and unique approach to melody and harmony. His most famous compositions include “‘Round Midnight” and “Blue Monk.”
Dave Brubeck was a highly influential jazz pianist who helped to popularize the genre in the 1950s and 1960s. His group, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, was one of the most popular jazz groups of all time, thanks in part to their hit single “Take Five.”
Bill Evans was a master of improvisation and his lyrical playing style influenced a generation of jazz pianists that followed him. He is perhaps best known for his work on Miles Davis’ 1958 album Kind of Blue.
Herbie Hancock is a living legend and one of the most versatile and innovative musicians in jazz today. His career has spanned more than 50 years and he has won multiple Grammy Awards. Some of his most famous compositions include “Cantaloupe Island” and “Watermelon Man.”
The Best Jazz Vocalists of All Time
Jazz vocalists are some of the most important and celebrated musicians in the history of jazz. For generations, they have been the voice of the genre, influenced by and influencing the evolution of jazz.
There are too many great jazz vocalists to list them all, but here are a few of the best:
-Ella Fitzgerald: Often referred to as the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most popular and influential jazz vocalists of all time. She was known for her beautiful voice, her perfect pitch, and her ability to swing with the best of them. Fitzgerald recorded over 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards during her career.
-Billie Holiday: Billie Holiday was one of the first truly great jazz vocalists. She had a unique style that was influenced by both blues and jazz. Holiday was known for her haunting voice and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She recorded over 100 songs during her career, many of which are now considered classics.
-Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra is one of the most popular entertainers in history, but he is also considered one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. He was known for his clear voice, his impeccable phrasing, and his ability to connect with an audience. Sinatra recorded over 1,300 songs during his career and won 11 Grammy Awards.
-Dinah Washington: Dinah Washington was one of the most popular jazz vocalists in the 1950s. She was known for her strong voice, her bluesy style, and her ability to connect with an audience. Washington recorded over 200 songs during her career and won eight Grammy Awards.
