Buzz
Upon reviewing this list, I noticed that in the past two years, we hadn't compiled a single Jazz-focused list. This realization inspired me to create one, and I'm excited to present it! It's important to clarify that this isn't a ranking of the top ten best performances. Instead, it's a curated collection showcasing various jazz styles. To ensure diversity, I included a range of jazz genres, and each selected performance features a YouTube video with actual footage, not just a slideshow with music.
10. Ain’t got no… (I got life) Nina Simone
Nina Simone has explored numerous jazz genres, and this track offers a glimpse into her acid jazz style. While it isn't complex in lyrics or instrumentation, it's enjoyable to hear her sing “My boobies!” Just a word of advice: avoid singing that line in public unless you're comfortable with getting strange looks from passersby.
9. ‘Round Midnight Thelonious Monk
‘Round Midnight has become a classic on late-night jazz radio stations. Originally composed by Thelonious Monk, this piece has left a lasting impact on the jazz community, inspiring countless musicians to create their own unique renditions.
8. Sing Sing Sing The Benny Goodman Orchestra
Does this track even need an introduction? Its popularity soared with the resurgence of swing music, thanks to bands like The Brian Setzer Orchestra and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. Comparing this version to modern interpretations, you’ll find that little has changed—perfection doesn’t need fixing!
7. Darn that Dream The Ahmad Jamal Trio
Ahmad Jamal stands among the greatest jazz pianists in history. With a career spanning over five decades, he has collaborated with legends such as Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan, and Miles Davis. It’s worth noting that the performance in the video is entirely improvised.
6. A lovely way to spend an evening June Christy and Stan Kenton
June Christy, though overshadowed by legends like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, remains a hidden gem for casual jazz fans. She is a trailblazer in the cool jazz genre and has influenced countless modern jazz vocalists. Early in her career, she performed with Stan Kenton’s orchestra, but her unique style truly flourished when she embarked on a solo journey. This particular performance was recorded shortly before she retired from the music scene.
5. Assorted song clips The Quintette of the Hot Club of France
Gypsy jazz is making a comeback in mainstream culture, partly thanks to Pixar. Django Reinhardt, the legendary guitarist, and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, both icons of gypsy jazz, were key members of this quintet. A word of caution: after the 4-minute mark, the audio quality drops significantly and becomes uncomfortably loud.
4. Manteca Dizzy Gillespie
Afro-Cuban jazz combines the vibrant sounds of New Orleans jazz with lively Latin rhythms. While more structured than other jazz styles, it maintains a playful, danceable beat, whether it’s the energetic tempo of Dizzy Gillespie’s “Manteca” or the smoother, bossa nova-inspired groove of “Sway.”
3. What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
This iconic jazz tune is widely recognized, having been covered by numerous artists and featured in countless films and TV shows. Similar to Billie Holiday’s haunting “Strange Fruit,” it carries a message against racism, but unlike the latter, it embraces a hopeful vision for a better future.
2. One for my Baby Sammy Davis Jr.
This performance is a masterclass in showcasing multiple jazz legends. Sammy Davis Jr. brilliantly imitates the distinct styles and quirks of artists like Fred Astaire, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billy Eckstine, Vaughn Monroe, Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis—while still leaving room for his own unique flair.
1. So What Miles Davis & John Coltrane
This track stands out as a masterpiece from one of the greatest jazz albums ever recorded. The entire album is a must-listen. Without delving too much into technical details, earlier improvisation styles were confined to specific chord structures, but Miles Davis revolutionized the genre with modal jazz, which expanded the possibilities and gave musicians greater creative freedom.
