I first started listening to jazz when I was seven. I came across jazz when I was listening to the radio and randomly tuned into a jazz station. Once I listened to it I would constantly go back and listen to more jazz songs at night to help me go to sleep. After that I would explore different jazz genres and songs. So here is my list of my favorite jazz songs.
1) Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
This is by far my favorite swing song and the song embodies the Swing era of the 1920s-1930s. The song features the energetic and fast drumming of Gene Krupa.
2) Love is good For Anything That Ails You- Artie Shaw
3) Reaching For Someone and Not Finding Anyone There- Walter Donaldson
The song recording is well done by the Paul Whiteman and his orchestra as the playing is amazing and so is the singing.
4) Begin The Beguine- Cole Porter
This is the cover version by Artie Shaw and his orchestra. They do a fantastic job in the cover as the song brings a calm, peaceful melody with Shaw's amazing clarinet playing.
5) The Girl From Ipanema- Antônio Carlos Jobim
A popular Bossa Nova jazz song from the 1960s that was a huge hit. It would go on to win a Grammy for record of the year in 1964.
6) What Is This Thing Called Love?- Cole Porter
I absolutely love the vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, who had an amazing vocal range, powerful voice and the ability to project emotion and happiness in her singing.
7) Forever In Love- Kenny G
Kenny G expresses the emotion and melody through the instruments and his clarinet. A beautiful song from the smooth jazz genre.
8) Singing The Blues- Bix Bierdebeck
This song features amazing artist such as Bix, Jimmy Dorsey, Frankie Trumbauer and Eddie Lang on guitar.
9) Livery Stable Blues- Original Dixieland Jazz Band
The first recording of a jazz song in 1917. I enjoyed this song despite sounding like everyone is playing unorganized, the instruments imitating animal sounds is a pretty cool addition to the song.
10) Actual Proof- Herbie Hancock
Unlike the other songs within this list, this stands out with its sound. This is an example of jazz-funk witch incorporates funk elements and electric piano.
Well, my list is done and I hope you enjoyed any of the songs here and hoped that it made you discover or search for similar sounding jazz songs.
