Jazz songs have evolved incredibly over the years, from the early days of pianos, drums, and trumpets, to the newer electro-swing genre that mixes jazz with more modern elements of music. Jazz has truly stood the test of time, proving that it is one of the most dynamic genres of music.
Among the many somber and mellow jazz tracks, you could find, there are plenty of jazz songs that could make you dance to your heart’s content. And since you are stuck in quarantine, here are five jazz songs that are sure to lift your spirits.
Duke Ellington – When You’re Smiling
Starting with an incredible gem from the 1930s, Duke Ellington’s “when you’re smiling” is an incredibly upbeat song with its funky trumpets mixed with equally toe-tapping drums. The orchestra in the background mixes especially well as Duke Ellington brings in his smooth and joyful singing. The song follows Duke as he sings about happiness in you, and the world starts to transform around you. At the bridge, you hear an incredible trumpet solo that brings the song together.
Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra – Swing That Music
This wouldn’t be a list of some of the funkiest jazz songs without the legend himself. Louis Armstrong and his orchestra come alive in a feet-swinging toe-tapping song that is sure to make you forget your worries. Starting out with the restless yet perfectly in-sync orchestra, the music gives way for the first verses by Louis Armstrong and his instantly recognizable voice. Throughout the song, he sings about how he can’t stop himself from dancing when they play his favorite song, and neither will you when you start hearing this song.
This Could Be The Start Of Something Big – Steve and Eydie
Originally written by Steve Allen in 1956, the cover by Steve and Eydie is a cheerful and wonderful song that is sure to raise your spirits. Better known for their pop songs, this is one of the duo’s few jazz songs. The wonderful orchestra in the background, along with Steve and Eydie’s upbeat voice, makes it one of the best songs to listen to when you’re feeling down. My rendition of “This Could Be The Start of Something Big” is also upbeat and features a heavy emphasis on the piano and trumpet! Check it out here.
I Had A Ball – Maggy Simon
"I Had A Ball" is one of the oldest jazz songs ever, and is one with countless reincarnations and covers. One of the newest covers to come out is my rendition, in which I took an old school jazz song and integrated newer recording and mixing methods. The result is an incredibly upbeat and funky cover! It's sure to make you feel happy in this particularly gloomy time in history. Listen to it here.
Pete Johnson Boogie Woogie Boys – Baby, Look At You
The final song on our list is by Pete Johnson, and the Boogie Woogie Boys called "Baby, Look at You." This song is old school jazz true and true, as the fast drums, blaring trumpet, and funky voice of Pete Johnson singing makes it a classic. Kick on this song and lay back as your troubles move to the background, that is, if you can stop yourself from dancing!