Aimee's Top 25 Jazz Standards To Know 

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.

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!"

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

Really enjoyed this. I put a public playlist on Spotify entitled, oddly, ”Aimee Nolte's Top 25”. Thanks Ms. Nolte

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

What, no Smoke On The Water?????

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.

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.

I just smile every time I watch you! Music isn't what you do, it's who you are.

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

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.

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

I would add " There will never be another you"

My list has only item. The Pink Panther.

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!

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

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!!).

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 :)

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

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!

This video is so helpful, thank you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'

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.

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!

oh my gosh, you didn't put THIS ONE on there, how could you leave this one out

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

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 RU-vid 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.

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

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

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 :)

Thanks for this. Every now and then, I'm asked to dep In a jazz jam. This list now gives me a focus point of where/what to start getting under my belt. Some toons one can learn on-the-fly, while others need a little homework!! Oh, and thanks for the additional list in the comments too. Nice one Aimee! Mr Magic!

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

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

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)

Nice list Aimee, and great job on the mashup too.

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.

Nice tunes. For me there would be 2 more: Misty and 'Round Midnight for sure

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

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.

Thought I’d have more differences but it’s an excellent list. Autumn Leaves was the first tune my guitar teacher gave me. I figured out the Sinatra thing on my own. Same goes for Ella. Thanks for all you do, Aimee....

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

Chet baker for Summertime. either Micheal Brecker, Sonny Clarke or Dexter Gordon for Softly as in a morning sunrise. Eva Cassidy for Autumn Leaves

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

Aimee, you are beautiful! It's amazing how we constantly discover people on RU-vid. "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 :-)

Sidebar - frequently called at jams "all the things you are " for all those great horn players (Charlie Parker)

Fantabulous!

A great list Aimee! My all time favorite is Spain by Chick Corea, but I also love some gypsy jazz tunes like Minor Swing by Django or For Sephora by Stochelo Rosenberg

Thanks, Aimee, your list is pretty much spot on based on my own jam session experience (oops, I don't really know "Someday My Prince," gotta shed that one). I hope at some point you'll post the NEXT 25 must know tunes to get down after these. And the next 25 after that, LOL.

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.

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

You are so amazing and inspiring, Aimee, thank you for these videos 🧡

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

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.

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.

Absolutely wonderful job you do here, Aimee ! Thank you.

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

Yup, Misty should've definitely been on here. Otherwise, great list.

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

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!

Hi Aimee, Thank you for the wonderful video. That's a great list! I think James Bookers version of Sunny Side of the Street is probably one of my favorites. It's played in such a happy way it gives me goosebumps!

BODY AND SOUL!!!

The Nearness of You and My Foolish Heart

Great collection of jazz standards, I enjoyed so much to hear You singing and playing The piano!!! Hope you continue to expand this sample to other great songs🌷!,,,

you've got a lovely vibe, thanks for the list! take care😄👍👍

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

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

your voice just shines so beautifully and bright

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!

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

My Favorite Things - John Coltrane

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

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 ....

Sweet georgia brown by count basie, Moanin by quincy jones, bugle call rag buddy rich, Take 5 Dave Brubeck

Does Green Onions, Booker T & the MGs count?

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

Thank u so much Aimee for this list it really is helpful.

Blue Monk 'mic drop'

My funny valentine.. ;-(

Yeah! Played most of them at some point, but there's quite a few I need and will check out. Thanks for the list!

you are amazing, Aimee - thanks for this!

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.

Oscar Peterson's Take The A Train

"How High the Moon" is my #1 jazz standard. It was the first jazz song my son played on his upright bass, in school. I request it any time I am at a function with a jazz ensemble (and tip well). The Les Paul and Mary Ford rendition of this song is also an all-time great version of a classic.

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

IMHO Dave Brubeck's Take Five is the best jazz tune ever.

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.

I've loved your attitude since I came across your channe, but l how you look at topsomethings makes me think you read my mind to impress me. It works. :)

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.

you are so beautifully cute. Your articulate so musically.

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.

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.

You're a delight! Thank you for your videos, Aimee.