Aimee's Top 25 Jazz Standards To Know

People often wonder which jazz tunes they should learn first. I have carefully selected 25 of the most important jazz standards, and placed them in an order that I think is good for beginners.
If you'd like an autographed pdf of this list, you can get it here:
www.aimeenolte....
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For more info, including all of my worksheets, gig dates, and more, visit my website: aimeenolte.com
Thanks!
Aimee Nolte

[@JensLarsen]

My old teacher always said: "learn tunes from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, that way you will learn the right melody with good chords!"

[@jtn191]

and less popular intros and lyrics!

[@bielzinhoferreira8184]

why?

[@robsgirl6465]

Listen to Jens; he knows his stuff.

[@bielzinhoferreira8184]

definitely

[@Modoc2001]

Jens is so great!

[@dx7man]

I'm a 79-year-old jazz pianist.Several decades ago, I was booked into a duo with a Russian guitarist who spoke no English whatsoever. I spoke an equal amount of Russian. He had learned the jazz repertoire from tape cassettes that were secretly passed among friends during the Communist era. We'd take turns playing the beginning bars of a standard and the other would join in. This got us through the entire three hours with only smiles and nods passing between us. Aimee Nolte, the list you posted was almost exactly what we played on that gig! My compliments for creating a wonderful database for the beginning jazz musician, and a good fill-in-the-blanks list for us long-termers. I'm reminded of the list of essential country songs that Johnny Cash wrote out for his daughter Roseann. She's completed at least two albums in a series called "The List". Does this give you an idea? Hmmm... My thanks for your wonderful videos! Even at my age, I'm learning from you -- and of course from our mutual mentor Jacob Collier.

[@williamwhalen7764]

Robert Shepherd great story!

[@hughtonks]

The most famous Russian jazz composer and bandleader - Nikolai Kapustin - is virtually unknown in the West, although his music is excellent. Check out his "8 Concert Etudes", opus 40 ... jazz, without doubt, but all "pre-transcribed".

[@ergnoor3551]

Please accept Thank You from Russia. Yes we all do speak the same language of music that is surely above the rest.

[@noi5emaker]

Brilliant story, Robert. Thanks for sharing.

[@rorobubu4873]

Thank you Robert for sharing. Wishing you all the best. As you know a Mature Age is Not a hindrence to make good Music.

[@isastarmoon]

25. Take the A Train 24. Autumn Leaves 23. All of Me 22. Blue Bossa 21. Satin Doll 20. Fly me to The Moon 19. So What 18. Straight no Chaser 17. Summertime 16. Oleo 15. Alone Together 14. How High the Moon 13. Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise 12. Bye Bye Blackbird 11. Mr PC 10. St Thomas 9. Someday my Prince will Come 8. Black Orpheus 7. Cherokee 6. Footprints 5. The Girl from Ipanema 4. All the Things You Are 3. On Green Dolphin St. 2. Stella by Starlight 1. Confirmation

[@VermylionMusic]

Man, fuck St. Thomas lmao

[@hetmanjz]

+VermylionMusic Oh, you mean like "f*ck Sonny Rollins, f*ck Caribbean-style music"? How about you elaborate on that a little?

[@bielzinhoferreira8184]

gratetude

[@tH4ttUs]

thy so much man!!!!

[@VermylionMusic]

+ Jan Zamojski, I said what I damn said, read it again.

[@z0mbyz624]

Nice tunes. For me there would be 2 more: Misty and 'Round Midnight for sure

[@27Pyth]

yes to misty and round midnight then add Body and Soul, Ladybird and Giant Steps and you've got the top 30 😀

[@jimdandy422]

What, no Smoke On The Water?????

[@ffggddss]

Yeah, really! And no Stairway to Heaven, or In a Gada Davida!!!

[@jimdandy422]

No Stairway? Denied!!

[@JoelCarli]

Fun fact - that song is based off a Canadian jazz band's composition. Jon Lord was a brilliant and versatile musician who knew where to get ideas.

[@DangFee78]

Enter Sandman???

[@charliedavis8447]

nah too complicated for jazz musicians :)

[@andrewclark953]

I don't play piano ,just guitar (and not well) but you have made music theory so much easier to figure out ,thank you

[@rogersalles200]

I would add " There will never be another you"

[@alibiath35]

Yes, these are all the tunes, I've learned first. And some others: I loved Misty and... Take 5 ;-), so I tried to play and sing them. You've played and sung these tunes with all the feeling, rhythm and power this music needs. This has impressed me very much. Thank you so much for all the lessons this week.

[@MarioVapenik]

My list has only item. The Pink Panther.

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

We have a toddler who loves Pink Panther....every time she's around my drums, she shouts "PINK PANTHER SONG!! PINK PANTHER SONG!!" then hums along while I tap it out with brushes. It's pretty wholesome....

[@donnicholson3200]

I can still remember the first time I heard the incredible saxophone on Pink Panther in the movie when it came out - incredible

[@billycm8370]

your voice just shines so beautifully and bright

[@jamespeelecarey]

Really enjoyed this. I put a public playlist on Spotify entitled, oddly, ”Aimee Nolte's Top 25”. Thanks Ms. Nolte

[@AimeeNolte]

+goodie7415 that's great. Thanks Goodie

[@blipblap614]

Thanks! open.spotify.com/search/playlists/aimee%20nolte%20top%2025

[@calebminium]

Thanks a million!

[@professor117]

goodie7415 Thank you!

[@tickleroftheivories]

Thanks!

[@angus7278]

Good list! Just my own additional suggestions for anyone learning Jazz: Lullaby of Birdland, Tangerine, Body and Soul, Wave, Corcovado, Agua de Beber, Tenderly, Worksong, When Sunny gets Blue.

[@23trillionskidoo]

Yup, Misty should've definitely been on here. Otherwise, great list.

[@23trillionskidoo]

Yep, and you left out Sweet Georgia Brown and Out of Nowhere, which are the two most important contrafacts in the history of jazz after I Got Rhythm. Damn, but still good list. Jazzstandards.com is a good starting point too. Maybe if we combined your list with theirs...

[@DanLimbach]

"How High the Moon" is my #1 jazz standard. It was the first jazz song my son played on his upright bass, in school. I request it any time I am at a function with a jazz ensemble (and tip well). The Les Paul and Mary Ford rendition of this song is also an all-time great version of a classic.

[@insaneintherainmusic]

Versions I like (not necessarily best sources for learning the original tune): Autumn Leaves - Cannonball All of Me - McCoy Tyner Blue Bossa - Michael Brecker in the Roppongi Pit (amazing solo) Alone Together - Chet Baker Softly in a Morning Sunrise - Michael Brecker (live) Cherokee - Kamasi Washington (this one is SO COOL!) All the Things You Are - Michael Jackson Fantastic list - just been brushing up on a lot of these myself :)

[@cjgreen4331]

Excuse me? Michael Jackson??

[@John_Malloy]

@@cjgreen4331 He might be joking. In any case I just listened to the MJ version and it sounded as expected, that is, a nice attempt by a 14 year old. He repeats this "over/under" ornament ad nauseam to avoid, IMO, the challenge of hitting the sequenced fourths cleanly in the opening phrase and throughout.

[@mrfudd13]

You ar a charmer! I would add April In Paris - Basie (. . . one more once. . .)

[@herrvorragend8135]

oh my gosh, you didn't put THIS ONE on there, how could you leave this one out

[@noi5emaker]

Herr Vorragend no kidding. It's my favourite too! Sheesh....

[@therandomchicken6517]

Honestly how could she put this one below that one?!

[@MrCatrig77]

Indiana

[@MrCatrig77]

Round midnight

[@Pooter-it4yg]

Always an interesting question. In general, I'd say what matters is to have known a lot of tunes than to have instant precise recall of a huge repertoire. On the one hand, if you have to read Autumn Leaves or Summertime you won't be taken very seriously. On the other hand, this isn't the '50s anymore. Or put another way, when I was gigging a lot I didn't take fakebooks to gigs or jam sessions (it was pre-smartphone) because I knew at least the chords to pretty much anything that people would call. But memory fades. There's also the definition of "knowing". I'd argue that if you've played them before but can't recall the specifics, it's legit to pull out the phone. In those situations the chord charts are an aide memoire and you usually take your eyes off them after a couple of choruses. In addition, there's the notion that you play things better when you aren't reading. Which isn't actually that big a deal once you reach a certain level. Experienced players can nail complex things at sight. In real life though if you're going to a jam session, know a decent batch of stuff but take your phone. For gigs and sessions, people usually predetermine and circulate set lists or charts. But take your phone anyway. Ultimately, a band would rather you to have to read a chord chart than stuff up a tune.

[@jerroneous8549]

Fantastic! Love the medley! Will definitely explore these. I think my favorite version of autumn leaves is Cannonball Adderley's group with Miles

[@Epiphone6ful]

Thanks Aimee For your Top 25 Jazz Standards. I know some of your list! But Eager to learn more! Jazz Standards. Playing By Ear! Can.t read music!

[@zenrascal]

I discovered jazz as a freshman/sophomore in college in the early 60s. Two favorite tunes emerged for me then and have stayed with me. One is "On Green Dolphin Street" already on your list. Favorite version is the Oscar Peterson Trio (at the London House). My other favorite tune from way back then is "Waltz for Debbie" played by Bill Evans. I'm pleased to say I saw both performers live all those decades ago.

[@27shogun58]

Mmmmmmm Bill Evans

[@peterfunke7092]

index of some jazz standards - missing Route 66 or East Of The Sun or Ornithology - and many others. But very nice presentation and charming as well.

[@p7allan]

Amiee. You are so awesome the way you say what you want to get across. You are an excellent communicator and express things clearly and with enthusiasm. Who can say any more? Thank you.

[@AimeeNolte]

+Paul Morse 😍

[@williamjack9315]

speaks for me.

[@pedromrls6]

The version that I love the most for Take the A train is the version made by Clifford Brown and Max Roach. Those train effects at the beginning and at the end got me.

[@jwallguitar]

shoot! I've just been learning them alphabetically. I've been on "A" since 1982

[@andreg.3408]

Lol...

[@andyguitar]

Emily Remler’s Softly as a Morning Sunrise. Sublime, beautiful and shows her amazing guitar skills.

[@badmangolden]

I got a lot of homework to do. Why did you have to make it look so easy?

[@0live0wire0]

Definitely Round midnight and Body and soul (though i like Lover man or The man I love better because they're not played that much) and I've grown accustomed to her face (Barney Kessel, personal favorite) in the ballad selection. Bill Evans' Nardis, Have you met miss Jones (because of the bridge), My favourite things is great, Bird's Relaxin at camarillo, Wes Montgomery's Four on six (guitarist's will know). But of course there are many more.

[@stuboyer1901]

And, if you can't find Sinatra listen to Tony Bennett.

[@AimeeNolte]

+Stu Boyer word. 👊🏼

[@Syarikat]

I think you made a pretty good list. However, down here in the Netherlands the most frequently called blues tune at jazz sessions would definitely be Billie's Bounce rather than Straight, No Chaser (which doesn't disqualify the latter of course). And I seem to be missing a 'real' ballad, in the vein of Body And Soul or Round Midnight (of course one could play Summertime of some other tune as a ballad, but by a "real" ballad I mean a song that is typically interpreted as such).

[@boomboomdrums8540]

I really like your videos. As a pianist though I'm not up to snuff enough to play most of this stuff. but I'm trying. Fly Me To The Moon - Frank, Live at the Sands By Bye Blackbird - Tony Williams, The Story of Neptune So What - Herbie Hancock, A Tribute to Miles Stella By Starlight - Kieth Jarrett, Standards Live

[@AimeeNolte]

+boomboom drums thank you. I love that.

[@railcar123]

That was pretty good going thru those tunes by ear

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

"Aimee's Top 25 Jazz Standards To Know" starts at 5:59 .

[@lukerussell2203]

I'm a jazz bassist but when I started out I need clear chords to play by ear. A lot of this songs were covered by older country singers. I learned all of me's chords on willie nelson's track. Its not the prettiest, but the chords are straight forward

[@SweetSpotGuitar]

I've been to a lot of jams where "Scrapple from the Apple," "Now's the Time," and "Canteloupe Island" get called, but I like this list (even thought I don't know all of them!! to the woodshed!!).

[@larrygeetar9309]

You got me now. I'm a fan. Solid list that covers a lot of bases. Not being a jazz player, to learn these tunes is a great part of learning music in general. Some of these I have done in a duo with a chromatic harp player who nails these songs, others (almost half the list) I have never played but heard all my life, in one place or another. Accompanying the soloist is a terrific way to hear what melody is all about. And it's also amazing how many times the same progressions happen, just in different keys. As a guitar player who loves to improv, it sure expands my musical vocabulary. Great music is just that - great music.

[@AimeeNolte]

+larry geetar thanks Larry!

[@birdsadventuresinwoodandmusic]

I just smile every time I watch you! Music isn't what you do, it's who you are.

[@tedrenard472]

That has got to be one of the best comments I've read in a long while. Thanks you sir (or madame)

[@ARichardP]

So much fun to watch.

[@cliffordWinder]

The people who critique the list you’ve made should be making their own list.

[@stevennettles9364]

This Is Great Thanks Aimee

[@jonnyroxx7172]

What? No Misty? The "most standardy of standards?" Just kidding - you know me... Seriously, great list. Mine differs by 3 tunes: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, What a Wonderful World & Scrapple From the Apple. Also, I like Sonny Rollins for Oleo. Peace. JR

[@AimeeNolte]

+Jonny Roxx lol you're right! I just plain old FORGOT IT. Ahhhh I'll probably never live it down! Which one should we kick out tho?

[@jonnyroxx7172]

Oh Aimee... I think we'll forgive you. On the plus side, "the most standardy standard" could be your new catchphrase! Which one do we leave out? I just realized that I left Take Five off of MY own list & that was the most requested song our trio played. Thankfully, there's just too much great music out there. Peace. JR

[@ffggddss]

Yeah, of course as soon as we hear, "there's always the what-about-this-one, etc." you know we're gonna be making our lists! Take Five was on mine, along with Stardust, and I'm sure I'll think of several more in the next few days. Even though I'm not particularly into jazz. But I do find many of those tunes do stick with me... How about In the Mood? Moonlight Serenade? In fact, you could make a whole nother list just of Big Band stuff. That is, if you haven't already ;-)

[@AimeeNolte]

+ffggddss mostly these are tunes that get called the most at jam sessions around the world. That's what I was shooting for.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

+ffggddss Yes, those big band tunes are great, but I think the point of Aimee's list (which was right on, in my opinion) was a group of songs musicians should know fairly well if they want to be able to play with other musicians at a jazz gig. Playing jazz is a bit like playing poker; when it's your turn to deal, you get to call the game, so it's good to know what most other players play. And it's just plain fun, too. Thank you, Aimee for sharing your knowledge, talent, experience & love of music with all of us. Peace. JR

[@stienwong]

Awesome video, Aimee! A few more epic standards: I Have Dreamed was Frank’s favorite. My One and Only Love, esp the Coltrane/Hartman version; Love is a Many Splendored Thing - Frank and Nat both killed it; My Romance, sung by Carly Simon; Time After Time sung by Debby Boone; Summer Samba sung by Astrid Gilberto; On the Sunny Side of the Street, duet by Tony Bennett and James Taylor; That Sunday That Summer and Non Dimenticar - Nat Cole. But Beautiful by Natalie Cole; I’m Glad There is You by Tony Bennett.

[@kwixotic]

Nice playing, good selection of standards but I'd think 'Round Midnight' would certainly be included. Of course I say that because I love playing it, it lends itself so perfectly to all kinds of jazz voicings and improvisation.

[@ToastedCigar]

A great list Aimee! My all time favorite is Spain by Chick Corea, but I also love some gypsy jazz tunes like Minor Swing by Django or For Sephora by Stochelo Rosenberg

[@karlsebastian5891]

BODY AND SOUL!!!

[@yoitzcrazy1714]

your recent videos have been spot on with my needs. are you a psychic?

[@wassupdannybadz]

Personal Favourites: Autumn Leaves - Ryo Fukui So What - Miles Davis Alone Together - Ed Bickert Someday My Prince Will Come - Yoko Kanno Cherokee - Kamasi Washington Footprints - Wayne Shorter The Girl From Ipanema - Getz/Gilberto All The Things You Are - Bill Evans On Green Dolphin Street - Barry Harris Stella By Starlight - Joe Pass

[@krthr]

OMG!!!!!! I LOVE YOKO KANNO. I had no idea this existed, but it's LOVELY.

[@wassupdannybadz]

Yeah, she is amazing! I'm glad you like it!

[@blakethiel3116]

wassupdannybadz I absolutely love Kamasi's rendition of Cherokee

[@darryllaldridge4399]

wow avsolutley gorgeous

[@beng2617]

Roy fukui... an underated genius

[@mrbrianc]

25. Take the A Train - Jazz at Lincoln Center on They Came to Swing 24. Autumn Leaves - Any version by Bill Evans 23. All of Me - Frank Sinatra 20. Fly me to The Moon - Sinatra again 19. So What - Miles Davis Kind of Blue (any new remastered version is actually in the correct key) 18. Straight no Chaser - Wynton Marsalis solo from the Dizzy Gillespie Diamond Jubilee album 17. Summertime - Clifford Brown and Dinah Washington 11. Mr PC - Any Coltrane recording 10. St Thomas - Sonny Rollins 7. Cherokee - Clifford Brown or Wynton Marsalis 5. The Girl from Ipanema - Stan Getz and Astrud Gilbrerto 3. On Green Dolphin St - Sarah Vaughan from a radio recording. 1. Confirmation - Any Charlie Parker version That's all the ones I could think of off the top of my head while at work (without the records in front of me). Great list though

[@victorwang6307]

What a gem your channel is. I’m feel lucky to be here.

[@caroleelaschwa5294]

Great list! Surprised that I've actually played a lot of them!

[@CharlieDraper]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I want to leap straight to an instrument before I'm even finished watching. You're such an inspiration.

[@sanny8716]

Same, and I don't even play piano (I do have piano at my home though)

[@robertrubino4275]

You are a Great Teacher Aimee tks

[@vecernicek2]

Aimee, regarding your question on fundamental recordings of jazz standards, I would recommend looking at a book by Ted Gioia called 'The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire'

[@josephk7946]

brilliant teacher. thanks

[@kennedymuzyamba9988]

Aimee it would be so great if you did tutorials for those jazz standards. You are one of the few great tutors available. You are an amazingly gifted teacher.

[@LovingGoodContent]

Take The A Train Autumn Leaves All of Me Blue Bossa Satin Doll Fly Me to the Moon So What Straight No Chaser Summertime Oleo Alone Together How High The moon Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise Bye Bye Blackbird Mr. PC St. Thomas Someday my Prince will Come Black Orpheus Cherokee Footprints The girl from Ipanema All the things You are On Green Dolphin Street Stella by Starlight Confirmation

[@MrHalafaseka]

Thank you so very much! True inspiration! Only Songs i can still think of are Donna Lee, 'Round Midnight, and maybe how insenditive (i guess you had enough bossas though;))) It's not a critique at all by the way! Just thought sharing :)

[@coolhodgepodge5778]

Amee, you are beautiful. I love the way you love your family and love music. You are brilliant!

[@AimeeNolte]

+Steve ulgur thanks so much Steve!

[@gman4674]

The Nearness of You and My Foolish Heart

[@christianyi3848]

Great!!! In Chicago, Straight No Chaser is called a ton!!! Would love a list of the most obscure jazz standards and tunes.

[@alfberger3150]

I think quincy jones' big band version of Black Orpheus is pretty amazing, especially the way he harmonized the melody around the 2 minute mark

[@charliedavis8447]

nice list, I need to learn some standards. Totally get what you saying at the start, onnnnnly thing I would suggest is maybe a Django tune... minor swing or Dinah perhaps? Also Honeysuckle rose would be a good addition. Just some friendly suggestions

[@deneicy]

Sidebar - frequently called at jams "all the things you are " for all those great horn players (Charlie Parker)

[@deneicy]

OK - a song that's not on your list that is called off and it jams: moanin (Art Blakey or Jimmy smith) Hendricks trio vocalese is fun

[@ghkim9527]

You are also good at singing so much ~.

[@shanthemusickid]

This video is so helpful, thank you!

[@suyangwang6180]

I thought the link she mentioned would include music sheet or chords, but that's JUST the list! $5!

[@AimeeNolte]

There’s a preview on my site, Susan. Didn’t you see it. Totally not trying to trick anybody. The music for ALL of these are in the iReal pro app or just for free if you search images on google. I’ll go refund your money immediately

[@klisher]

Chet baker for Summertime. either Micheal Brecker, Sonny Clarke or Dexter Gordon for Softly as in a morning sunrise. Eva Cassidy for Autumn Leaves

[@reubenpompei3896]

for summertime i will also suggest artie shaw, aka bilks, and charlie parker

[@dejanmarkovic690]

Blue moon by Richard Rogers?

[@DaGhost141]

Bill Evans plays the perfect version of Autumn Leaves in my opinion.

[@klisher]

yeah Bill Evans version is amazing

[@GeoCoppens]

For Summertime there is NOTHING like the incredible version by Albert Ayler from 1963. Here on Tube!!!

[@darinsullaphen4683]

just love your music talents

[@leonhat963]

For me the Miles Davis Quintet of Bye Bye Blackbird is probably the most important, however I like the version of the Ray Brown trio on "Live at scullers" much more! Just the whole album has an incredible live vibe&amazing energy to it!! (one of my first trio albums I have listened to)

[@DaveHillJr]

Love that Ray Brown recording! Thank you

[@ToddScorpio]

From what I understand the list may vary from region to region

[@RainInTheSummer]

Sweet georgia brown by count basie, Moanin by quincy jones, bugle call rag buddy rich, Take 5 Dave Brubeck

[@anthy3062]

yes especially the "live" Take 5, B&W video with Dave hardly playing and just watching as the tune was allegedly written for Joe Morello 's fine drum talent by Paul Desmond ! Wonderful choices too .

[@23trillionskidoo]

Sweet Georgia Brown is a must, especially since it's frequently used as a contrafact

[@jack002tuber]

Ryan, I like your list!

[@williamdepaula7533]

I love your channel ! The content is great and, although the videos are long, i don't get tired of watching. Time flies when i'm whatching. Congrats, hugs from brazil.

[@mooreav]

My funny valentine.. ;-(

[@SunilMungur]

Thanks Amy, I just subscribed...very useful info for a rocker like me trying to get better at jazz.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you

[@min2oly]

Blue Monk 'mic drop'

[@melodiusthud4536]

I like your list a lot, and here are a few other suggestions. Au Privave. But Beautiful and Blusette. Chega de Saudade Desafinado, Darn That Dream. East of the Sun. For All We Know. God Bless the Child, Georgia. Have You Met Miss Jones. In Your Own Sweet Way. Just Friends. Killer Joe. Lady Bird. My Funny Valentine. Nica's Dream. Oleo. Peace (Horace Silver). Quiet Nights. Round Midnight. Solar. Triste. Unforgettable. Wave. Yesterdays.

[@graemegerrard1983]

A great selection Aimee, but also a bit sad. Probably the most recent tune is 50 years old now. It's like people banging out Beethoven. Again! Not questioning the innovations or the skilful harmony or the catchiness, but there's been a million tunes since then, so it just comes down to sentimentality, which is a hallmark of a dying tradition, just like the Mozart, Beethoven and so on. The music becomes another walk through the museum. In my local jazz club, many of these tunes are played by old and young, but the audience is 65-70+, then there is a rapid fall off.

[@ffggddss]

Some music *never* dies. Beethoven / Brubeck Bach / Ellington Chopin / Coltrane Mozart / Monk etc. . .

[@ffggddss]

Ladies & gents, While your view of today's world is likely spot-on, I fear your view of history is a bit short-sighted. It may or may not happen next year, or next decade, or in any of our lifetimes, but everything old becomes new again. There is a value in some of the music of every type, that will always draw in a new following. Knowing this, won't draw crowds at the clubs tomorrow, and that is a real pity; but any bright & beautiful thing, when put away out of sight for any length of time, will always be rediscovered and revived by new admirers. That is still a perfectly fine hammer. Somebody will come along and pick it up. Some day.

[@graemegerrard1983]

I think your view is a bit short sighted. Western music is only about 800-1000 years old but to most people Bach is ancient and they're completely unaware of developments before 1700. Even JS Bach's music was forgotten until Felix Mendelssohn revved it up again in the 1830s, but during Bach's lifetime it was regarded as old fashioned, even by his sons, and rarely performed. So the music has first to be available, but more importantly still have something to say to subsequent generations. Young people will always find a more direct way to express themselves than archeology.

[@ffggddss]

Well to the young, anything that came out before they were12, is archeology. Yet look back over the last several decades, when there have been revival periods of "folk" music, big band, ragtime, Beatles, 4 Seasons, etc. What did those forms have to say to those generations? The truly good stuff will never stay in perpetual obscurity.

[@Rainbirdman1]

Make a good point. One has to ask just what IS jazz? If you define it, it lessen's its value and mystery. OTOH, we may be listening to jazz every day and perhaps not realize it. Lots of great musicians out there right now. Just ask them to play...

[@wildbillhackett]

Oh, I would also include a good dose of boogie-woogie and some really fun almost cartoonish stuff like Raymond Scott tunes. "War Dance for Wooden Indians" and "Powerhouse" for instance.

[@JimDorman]

My Favorite Things - John Coltrane

[@mrbrianc]

This is one of those pieces that just wouldn't sound the same if it wasn't Coltrane playing it

[@eddiegalon3714]

ya. That a true classic you would think every jazz musician would be expected to know.

[@phildf6922]

*Richard Rodgers

[@charlesmcpherson9668]

@@phildf6922 Absolutely true, but there's a big difference between playing it based on Rodgers' original harmony, and Coltrane's stripped down harmony.

[@maramazone]

Great list Aimee! Had a listen to you recently talking on Learn Jazz Standards podcast about developing relative pitch, very interesting. You are so inspiring- keep up the great work and teaching! 👍😀

[@AimeeNolte]

+maramazone hey thanks so much!

[@maramazone]

Aimee Nolte Music cool, anytime!

[@DLee1100s]

Green Dolphin Street - listen to the Miles Davis how he swings the head, just wow. How High the Moon - Ella I'm just gonna leave it at that otherwise we could be here forever.

[@edward7291]

I love those ones too! There's also a video somewhere on youtube of Ella and Joe Pass in Hannover doing How High the Moon that I found fun to watch.

[@DLee1100s]

Yep that's a pretty cool version too.

[@kenlee1416]

A bit late to the 'show', just seen this video. For Take the A Train, I'd suggest the extended version from the ''Ellington Uptown'' album - it has Duke's solo piano, the band and Betty Roche on vocals (with a generous helping of scatting along the way...not very easy I think). I suppose you could contrast this with the early 40s version (Blanton-Webster period) with Ivie Anderson on vocals.

[@EricNakamoto]

I recently went to a Jerry Bergonzi masterclass and someone asked him the same thing, he said: It could happen to you, stella by starlight, All the things, ladybird, out of nowhere, and moments notice. In all 12 keys of course.

[@jamesmcfarland2648]

Lovely. Thanks!

[@leogoran]

Hey Aimee! I've recently discovered you and I've been loving your videos!! If I may ask, how many tunes should someone know to be considered a professional jazz musician? Are these 25 songs the standard? Or should one learn more? Others tell me that its really important to develope a strong jazz vocabulary first before learning more than 5 tunes, what are your thoughts? Thank you so much for your amazing dedication to help educate other musicians!!! :D

[@AimeeNolte]

+Leonardo Goran I think that as you learn jazz vocabulary, you should be learning tunes right at the same time, so you can apply what you are learning as you go. I'd say you need a gig that pays and enough repertoire to get you through that gig to be a professional. 😉

[@martindalmasi5340]

Hi.....Parker's "Steeplechase" and Dizzys "Tour De Force"

[@RobinCoteAllen]

Fantabulous!

[@e.herrerajr.8641]

Amazing! Thank you so much!!🙏🎹

[@johnwescott1500]

Does Green Onions, Booker T & the MGs count?

[@MrRezillo]

No.

[@mikeguitar9769]

haha , great tune tho!

[@horowizard]

@John Wescott That always goes over well at a Blues Jam. But you've got to play it just right..

[@Rainbirdman1]

He was a very young man when he put that out...no title? Call it "Green Onions".

[@pheldonmajors2999]

Thank you so much!

[@jack002tuber]

IMHO Dave Brubeck's Take Five is the best jazz tune ever.

[@patrickmackey5588]

It definitely should have been on the list. If people want to hear odd time, that’s the most common request. It’s good to learn to play in non-conventional time signatures.

[@jeremylatta9038]

My favourite Take The A Train recording is easily the Clifford Brown version

[@jeremylatta9038]

Oh and the Sidney Bechet version of Summertime is easily my favourite version of that song

[@paulmidi9207]

Oscar Peterson's Take The A Train

[@roberttboyter4442]

Oscar Peterson almost anything. Truly an extraordinary player.

[@JoelCarli]

Art Tatum, too.

[@roberttboyter4442]

The only trouble with Art Tatum is that almost noone can replicate the complexity of his technique. Even Oscar Peterson who is a post Tatum player is extremely complex harmonically which needs a very substantial grounding in theory.

[@JoelCarli]

Not to mention he could transpose at will and was _blind_ .

[@peterharrison4090]

Ya had to bring that up, didn't ya?

[@kazire4591]

How dare you NOT put Days of Wine and Roses, Miss Jones, Just Friends, My Funny Valentine, Night and Day, on your top 10 ?????!!!!!!!! Just joking ! Thanks for this list, i did print it straight away and keep working on them ! My favourite is Stella, but i like Green Dolphin also, and some crazy like Stablemates and Along Came Betty...... I think Blue Monk or C Jam blues is very good to jam ! I hope we can jam together one day :) Take care

[@wildbillhackett]

These are certainly standards; however, as far as I'm concerned, that's a good reason to avoid them. I don't play much jazz anymore, but if I was putting together a group today, I would focus more on familiar pop oriented songs that can swing in a jazz way and that _any_ audience can relate to rather than just hardcore jazz-heads. "Summertime" is already on the list, and that's a good place to start. "Caledonia," "St. James Infirmary," etc. And something like "Wayfaring Stranger" makes a great blues.

[@AimeeNolte]

+Bill Seper just trying to help the kids know what to prepare for when they show up at the jam session. 😍

[@wildbillhackett]

Okay, got it.

[@orlock20]

Beth Hart covered some modern jazz which became popular in Europe and Asia. Those songs are: Your Heart Is As Black As Night by Melody Gardot If I Tell You I Love You I'm Lying by Melody Gardot Close To My Fire by Slackwax

[@wildbillhackett]

I can't stand Beth Hart, but thanks.

[@orlock20]

Bill Seper, those weren't Beth Hart songs, she just made them more popular. Melody Gardot and Slackwax ae both modern jazz artists.

[@j.p.fitting9226]

seems like geography has some bearing On what gets called...Blue Monk haha Stolen Moments,Sunny Side of The St too! every bass teacher I've ever had has had me listen to Sonny Rollins Live At The Village for Wibur Ware's stellar bass playing on Softly As In..love Oscar Peterson's All Of Me,Miles For Dolphin ,Summertime and Oleo,Someday My Prince,Sinatra's Fly Me To The Moon...enjoy your lessons TY!

[@rondoweiss]

you are so beautifully cute. Your articulate so musically.

[@empowermph]

yea, she Angel on Earth..her spirit, her heart & ear for romantic jazz of love, her bright spirit, energy..clearly..wonder if she knows it tho'

[@LightningDogg]

A little before my time but I absolutely love Autumn Leaves! Could there be a more simple yet beautiful song? What is the standard version...all of 2:30? I bet you do a great job on it. That makes me wonder...can any song be a "jazz" song? I realize you can do a liberal interpretation of the original, but what makes a song more likely (or fun) to play in a jazz setting? I love your videos. Thanks

[@mversantvoort]

Awesome, awesome video! :D thank you

[@dukahn7820]

Oh My God!! So wonderdul!!