When asked to play something...what's your "go to" song?

**cbgrey** · 01-16-2023, 09:07 AM

I'm looking for some recommendations of some solo jazz pieces that are handy when someone says: "Play me something!".

**charleyrich99** · 01-16-2023, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by cbgrey

I'm looking for some recommendations of some solo jazz pieces that are handy when someone says: "Play me something!".

Chord melody arrangements of Beatles tunes are always a crowd pleaser. It's easy to add a couple of reharmonizations in passing and a bit of walking bass and they come off as jazzy, yet quite accessible.

**jameslovestal** · 01-16-2023, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by cbgrey

I'm looking for some recommendations of some solo jazz pieces that are handy when someone says: "Play me something!".

Over The Rainbow. The Wizard of Oz is one of the most watched films in the USA and therefor this song is well known.

**mr. beaumont** · 01-16-2023, 12:30 PM

Laura.

**Liarspoker** · 01-16-2023, 12:39 PM

Yesterday by The Beatles solo guitar style. Jazz in the same style would be Autumn Leaves.

**Michael Neverisky** · 01-16-2023, 01:54 PM

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

**AllanAllen** · 01-16-2023, 01:54 PM

Chitlins Con Carne. Everyone likes the blues.

**Tal_175** · 01-16-2023, 01:59 PM

"The Days of Wine and Roses" is my go to these days but if you're looking for "recognizability" by the non-jazz audience, probably "Summertime" would be a better bet.

Also please no matter what you do, don't choose "Take Five", that's rock players idea of jazz, lol.

**cbgrey** · 01-16-2023, 02:22 PM

Thanks for the responses so far. Really great.

Not too important that it be recognizable but something that would show some level of musicianship.

I always feel like it's asked with a bit of a critique implied. "Show me you can play something more than the licks to 'Sweet Child O' Mine', 'Smoke on the Water' or 'Layla'."

**AllanAllen** · 01-16-2023, 02:26 PM

Those are good ones to pick too. If someone plays Smoke on The Water with the right voicings, right key, solid feel and time I’d be impressed.

**JazzPadd** · 01-16-2023, 03:51 PM

Beatles tunes too. I worked up a medley of Lucy in the Sky and In My Life and working on another of Blackbird and Free as a Bird.

The Kinks tune, Tired of Waiting for You is another favorite to do.

Summertime can be very nice, Autumn Leaves, too. Some blues maybe; I do a medley of Freddie the Freeloader and Blue Monk.

If it feels like a ballad is in order, Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most is lovely, as is Someone to Watch Over Me. If it’s holiday season, The Christmas Song.

Those are my go to songs if I’m spontaneously asked. I suppose it also depends on the room, so to speak. Thankfully, I’ve never been in a situation like, “OK, dude, show us what you got.”

**pauln** · 01-16-2023, 07:35 PM

"Stella BSL" was the most popular song in America the last century;
something older folk would recognize and enjoy. For younger folks
maybe something soft and light like Norah Jones - Don't Know Why.
Whatever, don't try to test your chops, if it is important, they'll hear.