The Jazz Standards

Jazz standards are well-known songs that serve as foundational pieces within jazz music. They are compositions that musicians frequently perform, improvise around, and reinterpret over time, becoming a shared repertoire for jazz artists. These standards often feature memorable melodies, chord progressions, and lyrics, providing a common language for musicians to express their creativity. Listening to jazz standards offers insight into jazz history and culture, as they have been performed and recorded by countless artists, helping to shape the genre's evolution. Examples include "Autumn Leaves," "Take the A Train," and "Summertime."