Jazz Playlist

via To me, there is nothing more calming and relaxing than having a cup of hot tea, listening to some jazz, having a candle burning and either reading or working on Summer Wind. 
I am a huge music person and literally love everything from Mozart to Bob Marley. This blog is even named after music-- Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra. I often think that I am a 50 year old trapped inside a 24 year old's body because of certain things that I enjoy. One of the things that I enjoy that is not really in my 'age group' is jazz music. Wynton Marsalis, David Benoit, Dave Brubeck, Ahmad Jamal (he's from Pittsburgh!!!) and Vince Guaraldi are just some of my favorite stations on Pandora. 
Two fun jazz stories- whenever my family and I are out to dinner or at an event with a pianist, my dad always gives us a tip to take up to the pianist and cCm and I request Take 5 by Dave Brubeck. It's now become one of our favorites and always reminds us of good times spent together. 
The second story is that whenever I would get homesick in college, I would livestream 90.5 WDUQ. It was the only jazz station in Pittsburgh and I loved it. It was comforting to hear familiar voices and I always got a kick when they would talk about the weather in Pittsburgh and I was in Virginia. Sadly, the station is now called WESA and doesn't play jazz like it used to :(
I know that this post is probably not of much interest to many, but I'd love to share my favorite jazz music with you all! I am dying to go to one of Wynton Marsalis's performances at Lincoln Center! Hopefully, I will be able to catch a show next time I am in town. I am hoping this will inspire you to listen, too! My picks are also great dinner party music, too! 
Pittsburgh- Ahmad Jamal  He's quoted saying 'Pittsburgh meant everything to me and it still does.' A man after my own heart. The entire album entitle Pittsburgh is always on repeat!   Someone to Watch Over Me- Donald Byrd Rhapsody in Blue- George Gershwin  Super famous, you'll recognize this one! It's epic! American in Paris- Gershwin  Had to include this because I played it in high school! Every Step of the Way- David Benoit  Freedom at Midnight- David Benoit  My favorite Benoit song. Mood Indigo- Duke Ellington In A Sentimental Mood- John Coltrane The Girl From Ipanema- Stan Getz  Summertime- Miles Davis  Autumn Leaves- Miles Davis  My Favorite Things- John Coltrane A great version of the Sound of Music's These are a Few of My Favorite Things Smoke Gets In Your Eyes- Miles Davis  Super Chill. Straight No Chaser- Thelonious Monk Terminal 7- Tomasz Stanko  Sound like something you recognize? A lot of this jazz artist is on Homeland-- another reason why that show is the best.  April in Paris- Count Basie In the Mood- Glenn Miller Totally in The Parent Trap!! Definitely want this played at my wedding! Autumn in New York- Charlie Parker  So. Good.  I've Got a Crush on You- Ike Quebec The Lady's In Love With You- Vince Guaraldi  He is the same guy that does all of the Charlie Brown music! A Charlie Brown Christmas album by Vince Guaraldi is one of my all time favorites. 
I know I am missing a ton but these are just some of my favorites-- Don't even get me started on the crooners... that'd take me years to come up with all of my favorites! Do you listen to jazz? What are your favorites? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,