Jazz standards are the musical compositions that have become the cornerstone of the jazz repertoire and are widely recognized and frequently performed by jazz musicians. Here are the top 10 jazz standards that are essential for anyone starting out in jazz:
- “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
- “All of Me” by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons
- “Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk
- “Misty” by Erroll Garner
- “Summertime” by George Gershwin
- “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk
- “Body and Soul” by Johnny Green
- “Night and Day” by Cole Porter
- “In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington
- “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss
These jazz standards are considered essential because they are widely recognized and frequently performed by jazz musicians. They are also some of the most iconic and enduring compositions in the jazz repertoire, reflecting the diverse range of styles and influences that have shaped the genre over the years.
“Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington is a swing era classic and is considered one of Ellington’s signature compositions. It is characterized by its driving swing rhythm and blues-influenced harmonies, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time.
“All of Me” by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons is another swing era classic and is one of the most frequently recorded jazz standards. It is characterized by its simple, catchy melody and upbeat swing rhythm, and has become a staple of the jazz repertoire.
“Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk is a modern jazz classic and is considered one of Monk’s signature compositions. It is characterized by its complex harmonies, angular melodies, and angular rhythms, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time.
“Misty” by Erroll Garner is a ballad that is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz standards of all time. It is characterized by its lush harmonies, beautiful melody, and introspective mood, and has become a staple of the jazz repertoire.
“Summertime” by George Gershwin is a classic American song that has become a staple of the jazz repertoire. It is characterized by its beautiful melody, lush harmonies, and upbeat swing rhythm, and has been recorded by countless jazz musicians over the years.
“Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk is a modern jazz classic and is considered one of Monk’s signature compositions. It is characterized by its complex harmonies, angular melodies, and angular rhythms, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz compositions of all time.
“Body and Soul” by Johnny Green is a classic American song that has become a staple of the jazz repertoire. It is characterized by its beautiful melody, lush harmonies, and introspective mood, and has been recorded by countless jazz musicians over the years.
“Night and Day” by Cole Porter is a classic American song that has become a staple of the jazz repertoire. It is characterized by its beautiful melody, lush harmonies, and upbeat swing rhythm, and has been recorded by countless jazz musicians over the years.
“In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington is a ballad that is widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz standards of all time. It is characterized by its lush harmonies, beautiful melody, and introspective mood, and has become a staple of the jazz repertoire.
“What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss is a classic American song that