Simple Jazz Standards

[QuarterToneSaxophone]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of re-learning jazz standards that I know, and learning new ones. I am looking for suggestions for standards with simple(ish) heads, including ones that aren't quite as well known, but still recognizable.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jazzaferri]

Coquette, Sweet Sue oldies

C jam Blues

Little Sunflower

I could go on and on but that'll get you going

 

[JayeNM]

Fly Me to the Moon

Mack the Knife

(and if I were a wiseguy I'd add One Note Samba)

 

[jbtsax]

Here are a thousand suggestions to get you started. Jazz Standards

 

[EJIsaac]

All the things you are
My Little Suede Shoes

These were suggested to me recently since they are simple 2-5’s in an easy key. I’m currently in the process of learning more about jazz standards as well!

 

[GCinCT]

Don’t forget the ultimate ii-V-I tutorial tune, Autumn Leaves. Parker’s Mood is good too. Pretty straightforward Blues, but you got know the blues!

 

[JayeNM]

I dunno. I look at what OP requested, and do not nexessarily think that is synonymous with 'classic/popular standards' or 'standards following a conventional jazz chord progression'.

But maybe I am reading that wrong (?):

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of re-learning jazz standards that I know, and learning new ones. I am looking for suggestions for standards with simple(ish) heads, including ones that aren't quite as well known, but still recognizable.

Thanks everyone!

 

[jazzdoh]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of re-learning jazz standards that I know, and learning new ones. I am looking for suggestions for standards with simple(ish) heads, including ones that aren't quite as well known, but still recognizable.

Thanks everyone!

Blue Moon
Blue Bossa
Watermelon Man
Although the above are quite well known, they fit into the simple melodies that you are after.

It depends on your level, but i wouldn't exactly class " All the things you are" as simple melody or simple improvisation

 

[EJIsaac]

I dunno. I look at what OP requested, and do not nexessarily think that is synonymous with 'classic/popular standards' or 'standards following a conventional jazz chord progression'.

But maybe I am reading that wrong (?):

Perhaps not, I figured all else being equal a song that is simple to solo over might be a fun place to start.
Also, OP requested songs that “that aren’t quite as well known but still recognizable”

Blue Moon
Blue Bossa
Watermelon Man
Although the above are quite well known, they fit into the simple melodies that you are after.

It depends on your level, but i wouldn't exactly class " All the things you are" as simple melody or simple improvisation

Fair enough, +1 for Blue Bossa

 

[trimmy]

C jam Blues

Little Sunflower

I’ll add a few more to the above

All Blues
Lonnies Lament
Blue Monk

 

[GCinCT]

I’ll add a few more to the above

All Blues
Lonnies Lament
Blue Monk

All Blues is a great tune. In fact, everything on Kind of Blue is good to learn. I love So What and Freddy the Freeloader too.

 

[Jazzaferri]

Not just a samiple tune folks …...keep the harmony basic too

Learning to improvise on a tune that has simple changes is more productive

 

[Colin the Bear]

Check the Botm and Sotm threads

 

[trimmy]

All Blues
Lonnies Lament
Blue Monk

Learning to improvise on a tune that has simple changes is more productive

Agree, forget Lonnies so I’ll throw in one I’m learning now ‘Cold Duck Time’

 

[Jazzaferri]

Oddly enough IMO it's also better to learn a tune with a few harmonic changes than a modal piece.

 

[GCinCT]

Oddly enough IMO it's also better to learn a tune with a few harmonic changes than a modal piece.

You have a point there. I hereby withdraw any mention of Kind of Blue.

 

[QuarterToneSaxophone]

Thanks everyone for suggestions. Just a quick note, I am a professional player, this isn't about learning how to play, I'm just looking to increase my rep a bit for a few upcoming gigs so I'm not playing the same tunes.

 

[QuarterToneSaxophone]

Also, an example of the sort of tune I'm looking for is "Passion Dance".

 

[trimmy]

Also, an example of the sort of tune I'm looking for is "Passion Dance".

Never heard of it

 

[Jazzaferri]

hmmmm???????