What are some of the most inspiring jazz songs???

Question

I am looking for jazz that inspires, lifts, or gives me a boost. Is there such a thing?

Answer 1

Billy Holiday-God Bless the Child, Autumn In New York
Nina Simone-I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
,I Ain't Got No I Got Life, Don't You Pay Them No Mind, Here Comes The Sun, To Be Young Gifted and Black
Shirley Horn-Here's To Life, You Won't Forget Me
Anita Baker-Body and Soul, It's Been You all Along
Sade-It's Only Love That Gets You Through, Keep Looking, Sally, Lover's Rock,
Louis Armstong-What A Wonderful World
Ella Fitzgerald-Summertime

Answer 2

well, most jazz, arguably , is oriented towards virtuosity. Jazz improvisation, tends to be, fast. What inspires me, moves me, you might say, is music in which the harmony itself is manipulated and sound is sustained, as in Ballads. So probably everybody has a song or two that makes you feel that way. Perhaps Charlie Haden's quartet west contains that inspired, uplifting vibe. I'm also thinking of some ECM, which can be too moody, but maybe Jarrett with Jan Garbarek and Jon Christiansen. There was also an alto player out of seattle, named Denny Goodhew, if he's still alive, who i always thought was inspired. But I think music in which sound and harmony are more important than speed and craftyness would be one cue.

Answer 3

This is borderline jazz/ r&b, but I'd pick two songs produced by Quincy Jones

1. ) "Everything must change" - on "Body Heat" album

2.) "what good is a song (if its not good enough to sing)" on "I heard that" album

also, honorable mention
"Come Sunday" by Duke Ellington. Joe Williams does a great version.

but I must agree with the previous answerer, "A Love Supreme" by Coltrane is on a whole different level.

Answer 4

I listen to a jazz station on occasions.

I have come to the conclusion that jazz is meant to be played, and if anyone is listening, so ,much the better.
I hear many numbers, i never heard them before, I have no clue what it is, and I will probably never hear them again. But I do know one thing- it was played by a bunch of musicians who had a real good time playing it,and I enjoyed listening.

Answer 5

Jaco Pastorius - Continuum
Herbie Hancock - Butterfly
Donald Byrd - Think Twice
Miles Davis - All Blues
And John Coltrane's album "A Love Supreme" is the most spiritual uplifting album ever....

Answer 6

On A Clear Day, Almost Like Being in Love, I m Pulling Through

Answer 7

Some musicians (not songs) which usually work for me: Erroll Garner, Oliver Jones, Milt Jackson (& the MJQ), Benny Carter, Albert Ayler, Lester Young, Charlie Parker . . .

Answer 8

Try Ghetto Lights by Bobby Hutcherson, and Africane Fleurette by James Newton.

Answer 9

There is a jazz song by Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright called Strength In You, and I think that it is very inspiring.

Answer 10

Duke Ellington