All that jazz, and then some…

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April was Jazz Appreciation Month, ending the International Jazz Day on Wednesday, April 30. What does it mean to appreciate jazz? Why do people even like jazz? Chances are, no two jazz lovers will agree on the answer to those questions.

We all love jazz for different reasons, and it seems every other day a new sub-genre crops up. There’s the traditional classic jazz, there’s smooth jazz, swing jazz, bebop, bossa nova, fusion, and many more. So, how are we going to explain what it is about jazz we love?

I asked several jazz aficionados what they’re favourite jazz songs are, and why. Here are their choices:

Dr Ham Mulira, ICT professional, pianist

Ham Mulira. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)

• Hapo Zamani - Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba has a smooth voice, which she uses beautifully with a distinguished swagger.

• Mannenberg - Abdulla Ibrahim

Abdulla Ibrahim is a wonderful SA jazz pianist. He plays unexpected notes and rhythms which bring the piano to life.

• I don't want to leave you - Earl Klugh

Earl Klugh has a cool and relaxed way of passing off soothing melodies with his guitar. This song certainly portrays this fact.

• Send me - Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela with his trumpet and semi-coarse voice, coupled with the typical SA jazz beat, makes you sway in your chair.

• Dancing on the Shore - Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler also brings out the sway and swagger typical of SA jazz.

• Going Home - Jonathan Butler

Watching him play this song on video is so captivating, as he is totally immersed in the melodious guitar and SA jazz background.

• 7th Avenue South - Jonathan Butler

This has unexpected, exciting notes and melodies.

• My Joy - Isaiah Katumwa

Isaiah Katumwa really hit it with this song. It starts off calmly, then picks up wonderfully, which makes it impossible not to sway in your chair.

• Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

Typical classic jazz from the roots themselves.

• Autumn Leaves - Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was such a staggering musical figure with his laid-back but charismatic presence on stage.

Raymond Byabazaire, songwriter, vocalist

Raymond Byabazaire.

• Mack The Knife - Louis Armstrong

Satchmo’s was the first version I listened to of this song. When I later listened to earlier versions, I was blown away by his improvisation.

• Please Send Me Someone To Love - Grover Washington

I first listened to Nancy Wilson’s (vocal) version of this song. Grover’s improvisation was just MAGIC!

• Affirmation - George Benson

This is the first cut off GB’s Breezing album, 1976; and it shows his guitar mastery more than most of his other songs.

• Skylark - George Benson

GB recorded Skylark with Count Basie’s band. His ability to excel both as a singer and a guitarist, side by side, is very clear on this song.

• Little Karen - Quincy Jones

It appeals as a memorable big band piece, movie soundtrack and a concert orchestra production, all in one.

• Social Call - Charlie Rouse

Thelonius Monk’s former saxman, Charlie Rouse, teams up with trumpeter Red Rodney and other talents in this quintet. I love the way the saxophone and trumpet harmonise on this track – same as they do on the rest of the album.

• Someday My Prince Will Come - Miles Davis

I’ll just let Miles speak for himself…

• Rainbow Visions - Crusaders

I love horns, and Rainbow Visions has lots of them. Also, it is one of those songs where the trombone comes out crisp and clear. Wayne Henderson (R.I.P.) did a great job.

• I Cover The Waterfront - Ellis & Wynton Marsalis 

A soothing piano and trumpet piece, suitable anywhere, any time. Ellis Marsalis on piano and his son, the one and only Wynton, on trumpet.

• It’s Easy To Remember - Keith Jarrett

The Keith Jarrett trio are at their best on this piece. A cross between jazz and classical music, somewhere there.

Siima Sabiti, flutist, radio presenter

Siima. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)

• Skylark- Omega Bugembe Okello.

A supremely talented Ugandan with the voice of an angel. Her rendition of this classic is ethereal.

• Don’t Know Why- Norah Jones.

My goodness, this song! So smooth and whimsical. Makes you want to sit by a campfire and hold hands with someone special.

• My Baby Just Cares for Me- Nina Simone.

I have loved this song from the moment I heard it as a child. Such a happy tune! And the dramatic descending scale at the end? Delicious!

• The Wedding- Abdullah Ibrahim.

This song evokes feelings of loss and longing, regardless of the title, which would suggest a joyful event. Maybe it is from the perspective of a jilted lover, forced to attend their beloved’s nuptials to someone else? Who’s to say? Art is subjective, after all.

• Agua de Beber- Antonio Carlos Jobim and Astrud Gilberto.

Ah, this gem. Such a sublime pairing of musical legends. Every time I hear it, I see myself on a beach, enjoying a sundowner… even if I am just listening to music in my kitchen and wearing a dera.

• Take 5- David Brubek.

Who doesn’t love this song, honestly?! As much as it has been done to death on countless movie soundtracks, you can’t help but tap your feet in anticipation of the sax solo. And the drum section?! Iconic.

• Autumn Leaves- Nat King Cole.

Originally performed as Les Feuilles Mortes by Yves Montand. One of the things I love the most is it can be performed up-tempo and happy, or slow with an air of melancholy.

• Night and Day- Cole Porter

I cannot put into words how much I love this song. It has been covered by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, but my absolute favourite version is by The Temptations. If you have never heard it, I suggest you go and look it up NOW.

• Ten Years Free- Ernie Smith featuring Kirk Whalum.

I struggled to pick just one song off the My African Heart album (a masterpiece!), but this opening track is certainly a favourite. The way Ernie Smith weaves his voice in between the guitar and saxophone-led melody, together with the luscious backing vocals, makes this a firm favourite on any good-vibes playlist.

• Market Place- Hugh Masekela.

Choosing only ONE track by the Father of South African jazz was almost impossible, so I picked one which features the flute. Have you ever experienced music so transcendent it gives you goose bumps, and makes you want to cry at the same time? 

Polycarp Kyagulanyi, founder, Kampala Jazz Orchestra

Polycarp Kyagulanyi. (Credit: Kalungi kabuye)

• So What - Miles Davis  

A fundamental of modal jazz, this song from the Kind of Blue album best represents simplicity and depth. Davis's use of space and tone in this work changed our perspective on improvisation.

• Take Five - Dave Brubeck Quartet  

It transcends boundaries between jazz and mainstream music with its hallmark 5/4 time. Its rhythmic creativity and cool vibe make it a classic work.

• Soul Bossa Nova - Quincy Jones

Playful, rhythmic, and immediately recognisable, this song highlights Quincy Jones' brilliance in mixing jazz with Latin beats. It's an orchestral jam-packed with humour and flair.

• Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman Orchestra 

A thrilling swing song highlighting the vitality of the big band period. Its strong beat and legendary Gene Krupa drum technique changed the sound of jazz in a big ensemble.

• In the Mood - Glenn Miller Orchestra

One of the most famous big band songs ever, this happy classic still ranks high. Its superb orchestration and catchy riff keep it getting people moving.

• Ssekitulege - Godfrey Lubuulwa & Baxmba Waves

A lovely mix of jazz with Ugandan indigenous beats. This work is grounded and daring, it is new and has interesting prospects for the future of Ugandan jazz.

• Pata Pata - Miriam Makeba

A happy and rhythmically lively song, helped Afro-jazz to worldwide fame. It reveals Makeba's voice and spirit.

• Water No Get Enemy - Fela Kuti  

Fela's brass-heavy arrangements always get me.

• Beirut - Ibrahim Maalouf

A haunting and strong homage to legacy and identity, combining Arabic maqam scales with jazz improvisation and cinematic framework. Maalouf's trumpet sings with anguish, pride, and beauty. His works inspire me to fuse Ugandan folk music and jazz.

• All Blues - Miles Davis

Another treasure from Kind of Blue. The gentle, swinging, and harmonically rich texturing of modal jazz's lyrical potential is written all over it.

Dennis Asiimwe, keyboardist, writer

Dennis Asiimwe.

• My Funny Valentine – Thelonious Monk

I was gifted the album soundtrack for the movie Waiting to Exhale by James ‘Fatboy’ Onen, a custom-made cassette. I listened to that album to bits and know it like the back of my hand, and that is how I learned Babyface’s interpretation of My Funny Valentine. The genius behind Face’s version is its emphasis on the melody of the song.

• Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald

I first heard this song back in Budo, I cannot describe the haunting experience of listening to this song for the first time. It is lyrically a lullaby, and when Jomo Akandonda sang it, the school went silent. Shout out to Harry Lwanga, who does a funk bass version of this song that will get folks off the floor.

• Ain’t Misbehaving – Fats Waller

The biggest influence on my jazz repertoire has been Raymond Byabazaire, who gave me this CD to listen to. What hit me about Waller was his touch. From that point on, I focused on my touch, which might be my strong point as a pianist now.

• Round Midnight – Sting Featuring Andy Summers

Before fame and money, Sting played jazz. I LOVE his cover of this song, originally performed by Cottie Williams but made famous by Thelonious Monk. The Sting cover captures the ethos of emotion that this song really is about, but also some of the most heavenly guitar work you will ever hear.

• Misty – Errol Garner

 I came across a pianist who was playing the Errol Garner version, who intended for it to be an instrumental. The iconic lyrics were added later by Johnny Burke.

• As Time Goes By – Casablanca

I had to learn this song, clients seemed horrified that I had not watched Casablanca, it’s the theme song. Eventually, I watched the movie, though it was really old even back then.

• Take the A Train – Duke Ellington

I had already been a big fan of the big band approach to music because of an old TV show,  The James Last show, and because of Quincy Jones. I came across a wonderful collection including Count Basie material. 

• What A Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong

Possibly one of the most famous jazz ballads out there; if I have a bone to pick with this song, it’s the fact that Armstrong does not play a trumpet solo on it. Louis Armstrong played the trumpet the way God meant for it to be played.

• Just A Little Lonely Talking – Whitney Houston

I have played this on a grand piano with Michael Kitanda on sax, and with a bass guitar, acoustic guitar and percussion backing us. And it felt like coming home to jazz.

• Flamenco Sketches – Miles Davis

I was never big on Miles Davis, found his abstract approach to melody a little infuriating, even though this is something of a standard approach to jazz. Until I came across his execution of Flamenco Sketches - he builds an entire universe with this song.

Ron Mugisha, jazz enthusiast

Ron Mugisha.

• Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango

Dibango's 1972 fusion of jazz and African rhythms with his saxophone makes an infectious jazz-groovy sound, a hit that has stood the test of time. It's well laid and has a unique sound that has influenced music all these years and makes it the most sampled African song in history, by the likes of Michael Jackson (Wanna be Startin' Somethin') and Rihanna (Don't Stop the Music).

• Mannenberg - Abdullah Ibrahim

Blending South African musical forms, marabi, mbaqanga, and langarm with American jazz-rock fusion, this record quickly became an icon of African jazz and culture, defining the genre both within the continent and overseas.  In the 80s and early 90s, it had a second life as an anthem of the struggle against apartheid. Some called it South Africa's ‘unofficial national anthem’. It's a beautiful record, easy on the ear and evokes lots of nostalgia. It reminds me of my childhood, my late father.

• Tutu - Miles Davis 1986  

Over 5 minutes of a catchy funk and groovy sound from the legendary Tutu album. This album was dedicated to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, where it gets its name. In the 80s, Jazz as a genre had evolved, and Miles had been improvising with electronic sounds. This record is timeless, a classic.

• Time After Time - Miles Davis

This is from the Miles' 1985 Tokyo performance where he covered Cindy Lauper's ‘Time after Time. A pop classic. This piece is easy on the ear. It grows on you just like most of his work from the 80s. On this same album, ‘You're under Arrest’, he covered Michael Jackson's ‘Human Nature’. Another beautiful piece that ties at no.7. Miles was a true genius with his trumpet. He should feature again on my list.

• Tell Me What to Do - Johnny Hammond

From the album, ‘Gears’, it has that looped guitar riff that won’t go unnoticed. Funky and groovy sound. I'd classify this as soul jazz.

• Blue Train - John Coltrane

Coltrane's sax performance here really keeps me on edge throughout the whole album. The double bass, piano, the sound of cymbals, and then Coltrane suddenly bursting into his jazz improvisation is like a great novel full of breathtaking scenes. Those moments that you want to read again, and want to know what will happen next. Beautiful!

• Oye Como Va - Tito Puente

This is a classic ‘cha-cha-cha’. I first heard Carlos Santana's version before I stumbled upon this one. This is how I was introduced to Latin and Cuban jazz, first Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Dizzy Gillespie and many others

• Stimela - Hugh Masekela

‘Stimela’ (Coal Train) is the track that Hugh Masekela will probably be best remembered for, as it encompasses all of his work. First released in 1974 on the album ‘I am not afraid’ while Bra Hugh was still in exile, it evokes lots of nostalgia with township and train sounds.

• So What - Miles Davis, John Coltrane 

The first track on the 1959 album ‘Kind of Blue’ (1959), and the first Miles Davis record I listened to. 1959 was the year that defined jazz.

• Take Five - The Dave Brubeck Quartet

The highlight for me on this one is Joe Morello's drum solo. It's a whole master class. It's what makes the record what it is. Arguably one of the most important jazz compositions of all time. You also can't ignore Dave Brubecks's piano style, of course; this is another certified classic.

Tshaka Mayanja, musician

Apart from them defining what Jazz is, most of these songs have some of my favourite Musicians (Instrumentalists/Vocalists) in the bands

• It Never Entered My Mind - Miles Davis
• So What - Miles Davis
• Tutu - Miles Davis
• Calle 54 - Michel Camilo, Anthony Jackson, Horatio El Negro Hernandez
• River People - Weather Report
• Footprints - Miles Davis Quintet (written by Wayne Shorter)
• Red Baron - Billy Cobham
• Grand Slam – Metro
• The Workout - Paul Jackson Jr
• Round Midnight - Samara Joy (rendition of the Thelonious Monk classic)