Aimee's Top 25 Jazz Standards To Know

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@colinmaharaj]

Amie, this, is pure love from you to us, you give so much and put so much into your work, and give us for nothing. I'll do my best to return this incredible favor one day.

[@victorwang6307]

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

[@robertlenart7360]

I'm 67-years young and I enjoyed your videos today so much! You reminded me of when I was a teenager, I can still remember singing in the school choir. I was introduced to some practice with piano and trumpet while in school and recall enjoying those moments very much. Though I never kept practicing, I continue to have a desire for playing and singing music. I was fortunate to learn to play guitar and sing in a band for a few years. I was searching KZbin for some help with my playing and ended up on your videos. Your enthusiasm inspired me to subscribe to your website and I look forward to more positive input from you. I have an old keyboard in the basement that is about to join me with my practice along with your videos starting today! I look forward to a wonderful journey and thank you for the encouragement to keep my desire for music going! One day at a time. Smokin Bob Lenart/a Guitars 4 Vets student.

[@AimeeNolte]

+Robert Lenart thanks for the note, Robert! Nice to meet you.

[@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)

[@1000buffalos]

I think the list is perfect. Everyone who has ever tried to comp with a singer or attempted--and stumbled--at blowing over ii-V-I changes has tried over some of these! Aimee, you are an amazing musical brain, and you are a natural teacher.

[@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)

[@jerroneous8549]

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

[@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

[@eparkerv3]

You are such a treasure to me. I was led straight to your channel from Piano Pig, who is really great about sharing where he gets his inspiration and ideas. Thanks for doing this video...i am reigniting my love for jazz, and learning, and piano. My new keys will be delivered tomorrow, and I can't wait to break them in learning these standards and keeping them alive.

[@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.

[@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.

[@brandtl1486]

What i find most fascinating is the fact u memorized 25 songs. Musicians brains are awesome!

[@IanTOHare]

Thanks Aimee! One of the most difficult first steps of dedicating yourself to the world of jazz is understanding which tunes to tackle first! There are a few on your list that I have been avoiding fully memorizing for various reasons for years but now it's time to get them under my fingers. Have a wonderful day.

[@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!!).

[@hardcore88]

I just started watching your videos a few days ago. It would be hard for anyone to make a Top 100 list of jazz standards, let alone a top 25, but yours is excellent. Even though Oleo has the same changes, I found it odd for not including "I've Got Rhythm", the original for so many great Bebop tunes and hey: " Meet The Flintstones!!!" As far as a recording for "Take The A Train", I have a favorite for emotional impact: The Stan Kenton version from his "Live In London Album" after Ellington's passing in the mid-70's. Played as a tribute with no improvisation, Mike Vax tears it up with "screech" trumpet on the final 2 choruses. The audience response was overwhelming. As a retired music teacher, thank you for your gentle, insightful & humorous approach to the subject of jazz. Great content & teaching!

[@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

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

Nice pipes. When you started singing, you blew me away!

[@cliffordWinder]

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

[@onceuponasynth]

Great list, thanks for sharing Aimee! My favorite recording of St Thomas is by Joshua Redman (Live at Village Vanguard). He starts off with an incredible solo interpretation which builds up slowly and gradually unwraps and teases the melody only to finally explode in full swing with the entire band. It gives me goosebumps every time.

[@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 :)

[@MrJazzohjazz]

Your list is wonderful ...... been listening since the early fifties and have heard these songs so many times ... you are so easy to love ... I also like Funny Valentine ,, by Chet and I Remember Clifford ..... thanks for a very entertaining video .... oh ... yes, How High the Moon ....

[@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 😀

[@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

[@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!!!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I just found Aimee's channel two days ago, and even primarily being a guitarist, this has become my number one KZbin music channel!!

[@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'

[@dstrongcrowe432strong6]

I'm gonna take your word for it, Aimee, because I too remember someone making a request and I felt kinda dumb when I didn't know it. And you have been much more immersed in the scene than a lot of people.

[@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

[@deplorablediva5919]

Aimee..Thanks for all you do!...You rock...er, well, you swing...well...you do it all!....Basically, you serve us all, and contribute to making music great again!....Yay!

[@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.

[@robsmith5434]

Great list! 15 more - Misty, Round Midnight, There Will Never Be Another You, Body and Soul, My Funny Valentine, Donna Lee, Giant Steps, All Blues, I'll Remember April, Night in Tunisia, Take Five, What is this Thing Called Love, I Can't Get Started, Night and Day, Solar.

[@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.

[@cappybenton]

Your list is a big help to me. I love listening to jazz and learning to recognize "the standards" when I hear them is one of my current projects.

[@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

[@BMarPiano]

Thanks, Amy! That's my summer practice plan, right there!

[@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 :)

[@vinz_braun]

Your positive attitude is so motivating! Thanks for all the great videos :)

[@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

[@BrianPetersen-l2w]

I was lucky enough to have a broad range of jazz standards with high school and college jazz band experience. Love your ability to transition from one song to the next so gracefully.

[@rogersalles200]

I would add " There will never be another you"

[@Album0029]

omg aimee this is by faar the nicest video of you ive ever watched. i just love you so much! thank you for the so millionest time. Youre a jazz princess!

[@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.

[@midiacstudio]

OMG, I think I'm in love. I have just been inspired to really learn and take on this grand sport. Wow! An absolute delight of a presentation.... all the way through!

[@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

[@GranPaMark]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. Much appreciated by me, a total noob to the world of jazz.

[@shanthemusickid]

This video is so helpful, thank you!

[@EduardoSanchez-jf5sx]

hi greetings from Venezuela...thank you for share your knowledge about jazz , especialy of piano...I hope to learn so much of you and God bless you

[@badmangolden]

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

[@colourtones]

Excellent list and advice, Aimee. Thank you for your work!

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

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

[@thomasgill223]

Your list is amazing, your singing is tantalizing, and your eyes are mesmerizing. Thank you, thank you.

[@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...

[@Johnmacuser]

I have found Ted Gioia's, "The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire" to be a very helpful book. He tells the story of about 250 key jazz songs and includes a listening guide to more than 2000 recordings. It is a 2012 publication of Oxford University Press.

[@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

[@IBoughtItMyself]

Incredible voice! I’d pay just to hear her sing. And awesome chops as well. Wow.

[@AimeeNolte]

Much thanks! Make sure to check out my albums on Spotify/Apple Music🙌🏼

[@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.

[@白手袋-i4t]

Your performance with the piano and vocal is very exciting. I love it. I want to listen through these 25 songs from the intro to the ending, all songs.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you. Make sure to subscribe to me so you don’t miss my Livestreams when I take requests! :-)

[@jwallguitar]

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

[@andreg.3408]

Lol...

[@billycm8370]

your voice just shines so beautifully and bright

[@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.

[@blevens7251]

I like the "listen to the Sinatra version" advice. I also recommend listening to Nat King Cole's version of a standard, and Sarah Vaughan's. All three recorded many, many songs and by the time you've heard those three, you're oriented.

[@gman4674]

The Nearness of You and My Foolish Heart

[@DennisSheaPRM]

Nice list. I'm a guitarist who started out as a bassist so I recommend the Jim Hall/Ron Carter version of Autumn Leaves. I love Hall's voicings and his delicate comp on the bass solo. And Ron Carter is one of the four greatest bass players ever.

[@RobinCoteAllen]

Fantabulous!

[@fuzzylightning]

I absolutely love your videos and how well you present the information! Thank you for helping those out there hungry for jazz knowledge :)

[@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!

[@HarpIndia]

Someone needs to compile a list of all the songs mentioned in the comments. A treasure trove of genius. Thank you Aimee. Your just awesome!

[@AimeeNolte]

It’s there. :)

[@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. 😉

[@JeffRyan_88keys]

Aimee, you are beautiful! It's amazing how we constantly discover people on KZbin. "All the things you are" is definitely a great one. I'm glad you reminded me of that because I learned it like 10 months ago and I forgot all about it I'm gonna touch up on it. Great video :-)

[@karlsebastian5891]

BODY AND SOUL!!!

[@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!

[@stuboyer1901]

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

[@AimeeNolte]

+Stu Boyer word. 👊🏼

[@mwangikelvin546]

Hilarious! The sense of humor, the facial expressions, excellence in the keys, the humming,.....You make learning interesting. Could we do giant steps sometime though?...Thumbs up

[@min2oly]

Blue Monk 'mic drop'

[@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

[@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".

[@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.

[@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...

[@jumperstartful]

Aimee! Thelonious Monk is turning over in his grave, Ella too. I was in Jazz Heaven when I heard Ella sing ROUND MIDNIGHT!!! Ella helped me to learn to sing jazz in my head. My friend played his 45's of Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan. This was in the 50's. Great Stuff.

[@AimeeNolte]

+Jay Aeecee nobody ever calls Round Midnight at a jam session tho. That's what we're shooting for here. The most helpful tunes to know.

[@renaissongsmann8889]

I have called it ... but I was sure of who I was with ...

[@mooreav]

My funny valentine.. ;-(

[@rwalls15]

Aimee, this is a great list and thank you for putting it together. My favorite A Train is by Ella Fitzgerald. I love her phrasing. I reminds me of the trumpet phrasing I wish I could play.

[@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.

[@SiRANGAO]

Thank you Aimee! I just started learning Jazz Vocal... your list is very helpful and beautiful :)

[@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?

[@QuinnGuitar]

"The Jazz Standards", written by Ted Gioia, is gold for any student of jazz. Thanks, Amy!

[@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.

[@Zoco101]

Thanks Aimee. It's a good list for more or less straight ahead jazz as played at typical jam sessions (music I love) but since you didn't specify straight ahead or only-at-jam-sessions, I want to add two silly tunes that every jazzer should know even if they don't especially represent his/her jazz style/interest. Guys, if you never memorize these two things it's you who will look silly one day, particularly if you have to strum the right chords/changes at 5 seconds notice. I have seen deps who come from other styles & genres crumble on stage at jazz gigs because they couldn't find the chords in time for these tunes/charts that everyone should have memorised:- (1) When The Saints Go Marchin' In (key of F) (2) A simple 12-bar blues (key of Bb) This is often used as a warm-up piece or for testing the mics. Please guys, don't be snobs, and learn these two things first! Otherwise, one day, you'll be in a band that does an impromptu trad jazz spot, and you'll go down in flames.

[@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'

[@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.

[@rich4444hrsm]

Love it great video and nice run through :) Only heard 1 tune I didn't know, but I need to memorize the names better to go with the melodies hehe

[@keyofbrink810]

Wow. Thanks for making this video! This is right where I am right now in my musical journey, building up my repertoire. Excellent !

[@timhartmann2037]

Haven´t noticed your awesome videos until now, always a big fan of your posts in the jam of the week group on facebook.

[@chyrl4622]

you are the music princess, muse, angel, lover and you ability to share, to teach is aimed so well, so generous ,, love you