Best 1960s Jazz Songs

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   My Favorite Things

   John Coltrane · from My Favorite Things (1961)

   The Rodgers & Hammerstein song reimagined as a modal statement of intent.

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   Waltz for Debby

   Bill Evans · from Waltz for Debby (1962)

   Delicate trio interplay at its finest.

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   The Sidewinder

   Lee Morgan · from The Sidewinder (1964)

   Latin jazz funk before either term applied.

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   Cantaloupe Island

   Herbie Hancock · from Empyrean Isles (1964)

   A spare, infectious vamp.

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   Hat and Beard

   Eric Dolphy · from Out to Lunch! (1964)

   Bass clarinet in conversation with free time — thrilling.

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   Acknowledgement

   John Coltrane · from A Love Supreme (1965)

   The chant-led first movement of his spiritual suite.

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   Song for My Father

   Horace Silver · from Song for My Father (1965)

   One of jazz's most recognisable basslines.

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   Maiden Voyage

   Herbie Hancock · from Maiden Voyage (1965)

   The title track — oceanic, floating, completely original.

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   A Love Supreme, Part I – Acknowledgement

   John Coltrane · from A Love Supreme (1965)

   The most sustained spiritual statement in jazz.

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    Infant Eyes

    Wayne Shorter · from Speak No Evil (1965)

    The most tender ballad in his catalogue.

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    Footprints

    Wayne Shorter · from Adam's Apple (1967)

    The minor-key waltz that Miles took and made his own.

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    Mercy Mercy Mercy

    Cannonball Adderley · from Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club' (1967)

    Joe Zawinul's gospel-soul crossover that made jazz radio-friendly.

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