What defines a “Jazz standard”?
Excellent question! There is no concrete definition of a “standard” or a definitive list, but they do have certain characteristics. Start by removing the “jazz” designation. “Standard” tunes were often written originally for a Broadway show or movie. Most were by the great American songwriters such as Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jimmy VanHeusen etc. Great performances of these songs abound in the jazz world. Musicians playing “casual” or “society” gigs were expected to know many of these tunes. They were recognizable by a large segment of the audience and are well written and musically interesting… so much so that jazz musicians adopted them as part of their standard repertoire. Compositions by jazz artists also became part of the standard repertoire. Examples of this might be Ellington’s “Take the A Train” or Dizzy Gillespie’s “A Night in Tunisia”. Call one of these tunes in a session with experienced players and they will know it. Later pieces like Zawinul’s “Mercy, Mercy” can be added
