¿?sick beats?¿ May 2021 edition

Originating from Africa with hints of ragtime and blues, Jazz has evolved over time but still remains a popular genre to this day. It presents a wonderful harmony between structure, rhythm and improvisation, appealing to anyone who has ever had the pleasure of listening to songs from this genre. Whether you are a professional musician or a customer at a local cafe, the sick beats team would like to introduce you to some of our favourite jazz hits!

1. 1612 - Vulf

Not enjoying 1612’s groovy vibe is simply impossible. Vulf has a signature style to their songs which really shines through in ‘1612’, giving it a soothing (almost therapeutic) feel. This jam is definitely a treat for the ears, especially for those who want to rewind and just go with the flow. Letting this song play in the background while you work can have some surprising effects!

1. No More What Ifs - Persona 5 OST

With its sombre tone and Lynn’s soulful voice, ‘No More What Ifs’ really knows how to enrapture its audience. At first glance, or listen, this song may seem quite gloomy, however, this could not be further from the truth. Its lyrics are surprisingly empowering - reminding oneself to stick to their beliefs and take every day in stride.

1. In My Life - Joshua Espinoza Trio

This is most definitely a tune that you would encounter in a lavish restaurant or hotel. Simply listening to this duet between a piano and cello helps drown out some of the white noise in one’s life and slow the pace down. If you are looking for a way to rewind, do give this song a try!

1. Dream A Little Dream Of Me - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

This musical collaboration between two musical legends produces a song that has soothing vocals, and features the famous trumpet playing of Louis Armstrong. This track may not be a jazz fixture, but with elements of the genre woven into its arrangement, this is definitely a song we recommend you to check out if you enjoy jazz. . 

1. Take the "A" Train - Duke Ellington

While the previous song may not have been a traditional jazz song, this track most definitely is. The track features trumpet players showing off their musical chops, as well as drums and cellos keeping the rhythm in the background, grounding the improvisation of the song. However, it is truly the Duke’s skillful piano playing that is the star of the show. If you want proof that jazz isn’t just about elevator music, try listening to this piece!

1. Love of B - IU

Loved by many K-pop fans, IU’s song of pursuing her one-sided attraction may feel familiar to some of us, and it is easy to see why.  Transcending the language barrier, her sweet melody immerses one into this tangled messy relationship of hers,  allowing us to experience both the music's groove and lyrical emotions. Hidden gems like this are really hard to come by so do consider tuning in to her album, ‘Modern Times’, too!

1. Kittone! - Kaho Nakamura

With the careless whistling and light hi-hat, this song has hints of city pop which gives a distinctive fresh feeling to it. Nakamura’s unique, unrefined voice strikes a conversation with her listeners. As you listen to her scat and ad-lib, let this song take you on a journey through a bustling Tokyo cityscape! Lively and slightly avant-garde, ‘Kittone!’ is a wonderful take on contemporary jazz. 

1. Ain’t no sunshine (when she’s gone) - Bill Withers

This song opens with a simple three-chord progression that has groovy undertones,giving it a jazzy vibe. Throughout the song, the phrase “Ain't no sunshine when she's gone” is disguised with a rather lively fingerstyle that seems to hide the singer’s longingness for his love. Overall, it is the perfect song to listen to on a rainy day, but make sure to keep it on loop because it will be over before you realise it!

1. Giant steps - John Coltrane 

Sounds familiar? Yes that’s right! It sounds like the music you hear on an elevator, doesn’t it? While John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” has no lyrics attached to it, there is a beauty that lies within her wonderfully complex nature as an instrumental. Being regarded as the most feared yet revered piece in the jazz world, Coltrane cleverly constructed the piece surrounding the II-V-I chord progression that was commonplace in jazz, but went further to fit that progression within major thirds, that came together brilliantly into a piece that is soothing to the ear!