LJS 84: Important Jazz Standards You Need to Learn

Welcome to episode 84 of the LJS Podcast where today we are answering a question from a caller who asked which jazz standards are important to be listening to and learning. Brent breaks down a list of 40 standards into important categories that you can work from. Listen in!
Listen to episode 84







In today's episode, we are answering Collin from Nova Scotia's question all about which jazz standards are important to learn. It's a good question because there are hundreds of jazz standards out there to learn.
Learning jazz standards are an essential part of a jazz musicians education. Even if you like composing your own music, jazz standards are foundational for understanding harmony and being able to play with other musicians on jazz jams and gigs.
I break down a list of 40 standards that I believe are important to know. By breaking them down into categories it makes them more digestible for you to learn. No need to be overwhelmed! Simply use this list as a checklist.
Just a disclaimer here: every time a give out a list of standards, I always get "you forgot this one!" "why is this on the list!?" There are hundreds of jazz standards, this isn't the ultimate list, and many are left out. It's okay. Feel free to list others in the comments below if you feel so inclined.
Before going over the list, which of these standards should you learn first? You should learn the standards that:

* You already enjoy. If you like a particular jazz standard on this already, learn it. The ones that aren't forced are the ones you will remember best.
* From categories you are lacking in. Don't know enough Bossa Novas? Learn one from that category. Not enough Ballads? Learn one from there.

Here's the list of standards discussed in today's episode:
Start-up Standards
(Essential to learn, fewer chord changes, good for starting out)
Autumn Leaves
So What
Blue Bossa
Take the A Train
All of Me
Song for My Father
Advanced Essentials
(Important songs, more chord changes, more complex harmony)
All the Things You Are
Stella By Starlight
Alone Together
Have You Met Miss Jones
It Could Happen to You
Days of Wine and Roses
Ballads
Body and Soul
Misty
In a Sentimental Mood
My Funny Valentine
The Nearness of You
Bossa Nova's

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