My favorite jazz songs

"All My Love" is played beautifully by Bobby Hackett, Vic Dickenson and their colleagues. I already knew that Vic Dickenson was a great soloist, but here Bobby steals the show in my humble opinion. Every part of the band is playing their role to perfection, from the percussion to the bass to the glorious trombone. It's certainly a joyful ride and makes me want to go to a "good 'ol" jazz concert.

"Almost Like Being In Love" is a fast, swinging tune giving you no chance to get bored. Easy listening just like it should be. Short at only 2 minutes long, but effective.

Another lovely swing tune by the great Frank Sinatra and Billy May. The fast tempo and playful voice of Frank puts a smile on your face.

In my opinion the most enjoyable song I've heard from Tony Bennett. His voice is amazing, even Sinatra has said so himself. Here Tony and his orchestra have made an excellent version of Porter's "Begin the Beguine". Especially at the chorus they give the listener a grand experience. A real feel good song.

If I could go back in time I would definitely see this show. With a star lineup consisting of Buck Clayton, Vic Dickenson, Arvell Shaw and Sidney himself, nothing can (and did not) go wrong. "Blues Ad-Lib" is the finisher of the concert and you couldn't ask for a better ending. It's highly energic, swinging and plain lovely. Sarah Vaughn's scat singing is fantastic. This was in fact Bechet's last live recording and absolutely a must have for all fans of New Orleans jazz. No exceptions.

Basies' interpretation of "Broadway" on this track is indeed a swinging one, which you probably expected. Some noteable names in this setting are Lester Young and the loyal drummer Jo Jones.

Arguably less swinging than the previously mentioned tracks, but in return more jazzy with fancy solos. You quickly realize that it's not lesser in any way. Features some of Armstrong's legendary scat singing.

Here's definitely a classic for you, made popular by the king of swing Benny Goodman. Anita O'Day brings new life to the song.

I've read that this track is taken from the LP "Pick Yourself Up" where Anita supposedly plays with Benny Goodman, Mitchell Parish and Edgar Sampson. The only problem with this theory is that I can't seem to hear Benny's clarinet at all. Either I got the instrument-dyslexia or this theory is wrong. Could someone enlighten me?

This is my favorite track on the album. It's the opener and 'boy it's a kickstart. The sheer rawness of it all, the powerful percussion, the crazy bass, Elllington's simple but effective piano riffs and of course Louis' singing and trompeting makes this a highly addictive tune.

Jimmy Rushing sings the blues of his life on "Evenin'" togheter with some pretty great musicians. I suppose, regardless of the music, I fancy the lyrics as well. It's true, the Evenin' does that to ya.

"Five Minutes More" is another addictive and catchy swing track by Sinatra. The chorus just sticks to your brain like nachos. I also fancy the lyrics on this one as well. Hopefully all girls will take notes.

This is a groovy, highly Boogie-Woogie inspired jazz song. Earl "Fatha" Hines enjoys himself with a two and a half minutes long solo, wheras Oliver and Ahmed set the rythm. What I like about Earl Hines is that he has the skill to play just as fast and complex as Oscar Peterson, and he does sometimes, but he also has the ability to keep things simple and groovy enough for an easy, enjoyable listening. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't dumb it down, he's just very good at flowing with the music. I guess you could say he plays with his heart.

Oh and not that I don't think Oscar can play more slowly and simple, for instance, his recording of Sinatra's Songbook is an enjoyable listen.

A very catchy, swingy tune by Sinatra and Basie. A ton of energy brings new life into Dolly. I also like that he complements Louis Armstrong in the song. But that's Francis for you, he's just nice like that.

"I've Got You Under My Skin" is handsdown one of my favorite jazz songs, if not my favorite. The structure is perfect with highs and lows and memorable moments. The chorus is just a pure joy. The lyrics are too true, sort of sad when you think about it but yet uplifting when you think about it even more. It also helps that Sinatra sings it.

This track is also from the Brussels Fair album, but this time it's recorded with Sidney's Quartet. The result is a beautiful interpretation of "I Only Have Eyes For You" where Bechet's creative mind baffles the listener. Sidney made me fall in love with the soprano sax.