Jazz piano is a genre of music that has been around for decades, and it can be both challenging and rewarding to learn. Whether you're taking jazz piano classes or teaching yourself, there are certain songs that are essential for any jazz pianist to learn. From classics like “Sweet Georgia Brown” to modern hits like “Satin Doll”, these 12 jazz piano songs will help you improve your skills and become a better player. The good thing about
jazz piano
is that a talented pianist can play the same song as a beginner, but it will sound much more complex.To get started, watch some of the piano tutorial videos that will help you understand the basics. If you're not sure where to start with the jazz piano, always start with the classics. One of the most iconic jazz songs is “Sweet Georgia Brown”, which dates back to 1939 and was performed by Jerome Kern. The Ray Brown Trio performed this song in 1925 with Gene Harris at the piano, and it gives jazz its classic sound while still being fun to play.
Another classic is “Take Five”, which was composed by Paul Desmond for the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959. This song became a surprise hit and the best-selling jazz single in history. Erroll Garner was another famous pianist and composer who rose to fame during the swing jazz era of the 1940s. His piano playing style encapsulated the stride technique of the first pianists, but it was Garner's abundant virtuosity and lyrical fluidity that characterized his performances. One of his most popular songs is “Misty”, which was ranked number 1 on the 1955 United States Billboard charts by an instrumental version by pianist Roger Williams.
George Gershwin was one of the first composers to try to merge the essence of jazz, classical music and musicals. His opera Porgy and Bess (193) includes one of his most famous melodies, “Summertime”. Louis Armstrong brought this Christian anthem to public attention through his performances with his band in 1938, and it has since become a classic jazz song. The structure of this song is simple and beginning pianists can easily play basic harmony.
Another great song for beginning jazz pianists is “All of Me” by John Legend. This song is perfect for those who are just starting out because it's very likely that they already know it and can learn it “by ear” instead of reading the notation. It also prepares them to play jazz standards by mastering the 2-5-1 progressions using chord shells on all 12 keys. If you're looking for something more creative, try improvising with triplets.
This is a really fun way to start playing jazz if you're a beginner because it creates a lot of energy and emotion in your improvisation. When playing a jazz piano for beginners, you don't want to have to “think too much” about left-hand chords when improvising a solo. Jazz is a broad and complex genre, so it may seem difficult for those who are starting out in jazz to know where to start. From George Gershwin to Herbie Hancock, there are all kinds of easy jazz songs that even beginning pianists should be able to master. There are also many concepts that are important for learning jazz piano, such as improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation and the oscillating note. In conclusion, learning jazz piano can be both challenging and rewarding.
With these 12 essential songs, you'll be able to improve your skills while learning some of your favorite tunes. Whether you're taking classes or teaching yourself, these songs will help you become a better player.
