101 Jazz Standards for Trumpet: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Trumpet Repertoire

Jazz trumpeters have a vast repertoire of standards to choose from, but which ones are the most essential? This article presents a comprehensive guide to 101 jazz standards for trumpet, providing detailed descriptions, performance tips, and historical context for each song. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or a seasoned pro seeking new challenges, this guide has something for you.

1. "All Blues" (Miles Davis)

Miles Davis' modal masterpiece is a haunting and introspective ballad that showcases the trumpet's expressive range. The melody features a simple ascending-descending contour, allowing trumpeters to focus on tone, articulation, and dynamics.

2. "Autumn Leaves" (Joseph Kosma, Jacques Prévert)

This heartbreakingly beautiful standard has been recorded by countless jazz greats, including Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. The melody is characterized by its flowing arpeggios and chromatic harmonies, providing ample opportunity for lyrical improvisation.

101 Jazz Songs for Trumpet

by Michael Shaw

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6009 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	106 pages
Paperback	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	8.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.75 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches

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3. "Birdland" (Joe Zawinul)

This uptempo swinger has become a jazz anthem, with its infectious melody and demanding trumpet solo section. The complex chord changes and fast tempo challenge trumpeters to maintain precision and articulation.

4. "Blue Bossa" (Kenny Dorham)

A classic example of the bossa nova style, "Blue Bossa" features a laid-back groove and a haunting melody. Trumpet players can experiment with syncopated rhythms and subtle ornamentation to bring out the song's Brazilian flavor.

5. "Body and Soul" (John Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour)

This timeless ballad is a showcase for smooth, lyrical trumpet playing. The melody floats effortlessly over the harmonically rich accompaniment, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.

6. "But Not for Me" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin)

Originally from the musical "Girl Crazy," this standard has become a jazz favorite. The melody is deceptively simple, allowing trumpeters to explore harmonic embellishments and rhythmic variations.

7. "Caravan" (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Juan Tizol)

A signature tune of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, "Caravan" is an exotic and evocative piece that showcases the trumpet's lyrical and virtuosic capabilities. The melody features intricate Eastern-inspired melodies and syncopated rhythms.

8. "Chelsea Bridge" (Billy Strayhorn)

This haunting ballad is a testament to Strayhorn's harmonic genius. The melody is built on cascading diminished chords, providing trumpeters with a rich palette for improvisation.

9. "Confirmation" (Charlie Parker, Gillespie)

"Confirmation" is a bebop standard that embodies the virtuosic energy of the genre. The rapid-fire melody and complex chord changes demand technical proficiency and lightning-fast articulation.

10. "Darn That Dream" (Jimmy Van Heusen, Eddie DeLange)

A haunting and introspective ballad, "Darn That Dream" features a beautifully evocative melody that draws out the trumpet's lyrical and sensitive qualities.

11. "Day Dream" (Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, John La Touche)

This elegant and sophisticated ballad is a showcase for lyrical trumpet playing and sensitive accompaniment. The melody is characterized by its flowing grace and subtle harmonic shifts.

12. "Django" (John Lewis)

A tribute to the legendary Django Reinhardt, "Django" is a fast-paced swing tune with a catchy melody that lends itself to virtuosic improvisation.

13. "Do Nothing till You Hear from Me" (Duke Ellington, Bob Russell)

With its playful melody and witty lyrics, "Do Nothing till You Hear from Me" is a lighthearted and entertaining jazz standard that showcases the trumpet's playful side.

14. "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)" (Brooks Bowman)

This romantic ballad has been recorded by countless jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis. The melody is characterized by its simple yet elegant phrasing and haunting harmonies.

15. "Emerald City" (Kenny Dorham)

"Emerald City" is a modal jazz standard with a haunting melody and complex chord changes. The trumpet solo section provides ample opportunity for harmonic exploration and rhythmic improvisation.

16. "Embraceable You" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin)

A timeless ballad from the American Songbook, "Embraceable You" features a melody that is both lyrical and sophisticated. Trumpet players can explore a wide range of dynamics and articulations to bring out the song's romantic and sensual qualities.

17. "Epistrophy" (Thelonious Monk)

A bebop classic, "Epistrophy" is a complex and challenging piece that showcases the virtuosity of the trumpet. The melody features rapid-fire lines and syncopated rhythms, demanding technical precision and rhythmic dexterity.

18. "Everything Happens to Me" (Matt Dennis, Tom Adair)

This haunting ballad is a showcase for the trumpet's lyrical expressiveness. The melody features a slow, flowing tempo that allows trumpeters to delve into deep emotions and subtle phrasing.

19. "Fever" (Eddie Cooley, John Davenport)

A sultry and seductive standard, "Fever" has been recorded by countless jazz vocalists and instrumentalists. The trumpet solo section provides an opportunity for sultry and passionate improvisation.

20. "Fly Me to the Moon" (Bart Howard)

A timeless classic from the Great American Songbook, "Fly Me to the Moon" has become a jazz standard that showcases the trumpet's lyrical and romantic qualities. The melody is characterized by its soaring phrases and dreamy harmonies.

21. "Four" (Miles Davis)

A modal jazz classic, "Four" is a haunting and introspective piece that showcases the trumpet's expressive range. The melody is built on a simple descending motif, allowing trumpeters to explore different harmonic and melodic variations.

22. "Freedom Jazz Dance" (Eddie Harris)

An energetic and infectious tune, "Freedom Jazz Dance" is a showcase for the trumpet's rhythmic and improvisational prowess. The melody features a catchy groove and syncopated rhythms, providing ample opportunity for soulful and energetic solos.

23. "Get Happy" (Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler)

A cheerful and upbeat standard, "Get Happy" is a perfect vehicle for trumpet improvisation. The melody is characterized by its catchy rhythm and simple harmonic structure, allowing trumpeters to explore a wide range of stylistic approaches.

24. "Giant Steps" (John Coltrane)

A bebop masterpiece, "Giant Steps" is a complex and demanding piece that showcases the trumpet's technical virtuosity and harmonic knowledge. The melody features rapid-fire lines and complex chord changes, requiring trumpeters to possess exceptional dexterity and harmonic sophistication.

25. "God Bless the Child" (Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr.)

Originally written for Billie Holiday, "God Bless the Child" has become a jazz standard that showcases the trumpet's soulful and expressive qualities. The melody is characterized by its haunting melody and simple yet powerful harmonies.

26. "Gone with the Wind" (Herbert Magidson, Allie Wrubel)

From the classic film of the same name, "Gone with the Wind" is a haunting and evocative ballad that showcases the trumpet's lyrical and expressive range. The melody is characterized by its slow tempo and flowing harmonies, providing ample opportunity for trumpeters to explore subtle phrasing and dynamics.

27. "Honeysuckle Rose" (Fats Waller, Andy Razaf)

A classic jazz standard, "Honeysuckle Rose" is a

101 Jazz Songs for Trumpet

by Michael Shaw

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6009 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	106 pages
Paperback	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	8.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.75 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches

FREE