101 Jazz Songs for Violin: A Comprehensive Guide to Legendary Tunes and Arrangements for Violinists

Jazz and violin, two seemingly disparate musical worlds, converge harmoniously in the realm of jazz violin. This alluring genre blends the improvisational freedom of jazz with the rich, lyrical sound of the violin, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of musical expression. Whether you're a budding violinist eager to explore new horizons or a seasoned musician seeking to expand your repertoire, this guide presents a comprehensive collection of 101 essential jazz songs for violin. From classic standards to contemporary masterpieces, this article will guide you through the captivating world of jazz violin.

Jazz Standards

1. "All of Me" (Ray Noble): A timeless ballad that captures the essence of jazz with its poignant melody and harmonic sophistication.

101 Jazz Songs for Violin

by Peter Upclaire

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6005 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	104 pages

FREE

2. "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (Manning Sherwin, Jack Lawrence): A hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases the violin's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

3. "Autumn Leaves" (Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer): A poignant masterpiece that paints a musical picture of the changing seasons, with its sweeping melody and melancholic undertones.

4. "Blue Moon" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart): A beloved standard that has been interpreted by countless jazz musicians, its gentle melody providing a perfect canvas for improvisation.

5. "Body and Soul" (Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton): A sultry and seductive tune that demands a lyrical and passionate performance on the violin.

6. "Chelsea Bridge" (Billy Strayhorn): A beautiful and evocative ballad that captures the essence of longing and unrequited love.

7. "Fly Me to the Moon" (Bart Howard): A cheerful and uplifting tune that has become a staple of the jazz repertoire, its infectious melody providing an irresistible dance groove.

8. "Georgia on My Mind" (Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell): A swinging and soulful classic that pays homage to the state of Georgia, with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm.

9. "How High the Moon" (Morgan Lewis, Nancy Hamilton): A cheerful and upbeat tune that showcases the violin's ability to soar and dance.

10. "I Got Rhythm" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin): A rhythmic powerhouse that has become a jazz anthem, demanding a virtuoso performance on the violin.

Modern Jazz Classics

11. "Birdland" (Joe Zawinul): A driving and energetic tune that was inspired by the legendary jazz club of the same name.

12. "Black Orpheus" (Luiz Bonfá, Antônio Carlos Jobim): A beautiful and exotic piece that blends Brazilian and jazz influences, with its haunting melody and sensual rhythms.

13. "Blues for Alice" (Charlie Parker): A poignant and introspective ballad that pays homage to jazz legend Alice Coltrane, with its ethereal melody and improvisational freedom.

14. "Chameleon" (Herbie Hancock): A funky and infectious tune that has become a modern jazz classic, its complex harmonies and infectious groove providing a challenging yet rewarding piece for violinists.

15. "Dolphin Dance" (Herbie Hancock): A playful and upbeat tune that showcases Hancock's love of Brazilian music, with its lively melody and syncopated rhythms.

16. "Giant Steps" (John Coltrane): A groundbreaking piece that revolutionized jazz harmony, demanding a masterful understanding of chord theory and improvisational skill from violinists.

17. "Haven't We Met?" (Chick Corea): A beautiful and meditative ballad that showcases Corea's lyrical genius, with its haunting melody and intricate harmonies.

18. "Inner Urge" (Joe Henderson): A driving and energetic hard bop tune that demands a powerful and virtuosic performance on the violin.

19. "Just the Way You Are" (Billy Joel): A heartfelt and romantic ballad that has become a jazz standard, with its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics.

20. "Maiden Voyage" (Herbie Hancock): A haunting and ethereal tune that showcases Hancock's love of modal jazz, with its floating melodies and sparse harmonies.

Gypsy Jazz

21. "Allons Allons" (Django Reinhardt): A fast-paced and energetic gypsy jazz tune that showcases Reinhardt's virtuosic guitar playing.

22. "Minor Swing" (Django Reinhardt): A haunting and swinging tune that is considered one of the most iconic gypsy jazz tunes ever written.

23. "Nuages" (Django Reinhardt): A beautiful and evocative ballad that is considered one of Reinhardt's masterpieces.

24. "Sweet Chorus" (Django Reinhardt): A cheerful and upbeat tune that showcases Reinhardt's love of swing music.

25. "Temps de Valse" (Django Reinhardt): A waltz-like tune that showcases Reinhardt's delicate touch and lyrical phrasing.

Contemporary Jazz

26. "A Child Is Born" (Thad Jones): A beautiful and poignant ballad that has become a jazz standard for its simplicity and emotional depth.

27. "All Blues" (Miles Davis): A modal jazz masterpiece that showcases Davis's love of blues and improvisation, with its haunting melody and sparse harmonies.

28. "Blue Bossa" (Kenny Dorham): A beautiful and relaxed tune that blends jazz and Brazilian influences, with its sensual melody and syncopated rhythms.

29. "Donna Lee" (Charlie Parker): A dizzying bebop tune that is considered one of the most challenging jazz tunes to play on the violin.

30. "Four on Six" (Charlie Parker): A complex and swinging bebop tune that demands a masterful understanding of rhythm and harmony from violinists.

31. "Freedom Jazz Dance" (Eddie Harris): A funky and energetic tune that has become a favorite of jazz violinists, with its infectious groove and improvised solos.

32. "Giant Steps" (John Coltrane): A groundbreaking piece that revolutionized jazz harmony, demanding a masterful understanding of chord theory and improvisational skill from violinists.

33. "枯れ葉"枯れ葉" (Jacques Prévert,

101 Jazz Songs for Violin

by Peter Upclaire

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6005 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	104 pages

FREE