Jazz has a rather undeserved reputation as background music to put on while having a dinner party, reading a book, or meditating. However, if you have never considered yourself a fan of jazz in the past, there is a good chance you may have already liked a jazz song, but never realized it. It could be a tune that is later used in several movies or TV shows, or as a popular sample in a rap song.
Here are just a few jazz numbers that you might find yourself liking more than you thought you would.
Check with your teacher about learning some of these.
“In A Sentimental Mood”
Duke Ellington recorded this song many times after he wrote it in 1935. His 1963 version with John Coltrane has been used in more TV shows & movies than you can name. Originally performed in D minor, the Coltrane take was recorded in B-flat minor
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“Breezin’”
The title track to his 1976 album & a cover of a song by the late Bobby Womack (1944-2014), guitarist George Benson’s version of “Breezin’” was later used by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince for their song “Time To Chill”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2PyfjQ8bzg
“Ode To Billie Joe”
Although a saxophonist, Lou Donaldson’s take on the Bobbie Gentry classic “Ode To Billie Joe” has had its drumming sampled on several songs, including Lauryn Hill’s “To Zion”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rs9mp8FyNg
“Inner City Blues”
Organist Reuben Wilson’s performance of Marvin Gaye’s classic “Inner City Blues” stands out for its funky bass line, which was sampled by A Tribe Called Quest for their song “Youthful Expression”. A Tribe Called Quest was one of the first rap groups to heavily sample from jazz music for their songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksOziw8ym64
For more information and songs check out this article:
http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2014/07/12-songs-that-will-make-anyone-a-jazz-fan/s/415306/
