17 Best Jazz Songs Without Vocals: Instrumental Jazz Gems

Hey music lovers and fellow DJs, it’s TBone here!

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate the pure, undiluted allure of instrumental music, where the focus shifts from lyrics to pure melody and rhythm.

That’s why I’ve put together this special list of the 17 best jazz songs without vocals. Jazz, with its intricate arrangements and deep, emotive undertones, offers a treasure trove of instrumental masterpieces.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect track to add depth to your set, or just a music enthusiast seeking to discover the pure magic of instrumental jazz, this list will guide you to some of the genre’s most stunning offerings.

Let’s dive in and explore the wordless wonders of jazz together!

Here are the best jazz songs without vocals that you can check out:

List Of Best Jazz Songs Without Vocals

Best jazz songs without vocals songs in a list format:

1. “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Found on the classic album “Time Out,” “Take Five” is an iconic piece in odd 5/4 time. Its hypnotic sax melody and compelling rhythm section make it an unforgettable jazz staple.

2. “So What” by Miles Davis

“So What” from the monumental “Kind of Blue” album, showcases Davis’ innovative use of modal scales. It’s a track that invites us into the heart of cool jazz.

3. “Blue Train” by John Coltrane

The title track from “Blue Train” exhibits Coltrane’s mastery of the hard bop genre. Driven by the saxophonist’s powerful, emotive tone, it’s a journey into bluesy depths.

4. “Song for My Father” by Horace Silver

From the album of the same name, “Song for My Father” is a tribute to Silver’s dad. Its funky, catchy piano groove has influenced countless musicians.

5. “Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk

Monk’s “Round Midnight” from “Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 1” is a beautifully complex track. It showcases his unique, dissonant piano style and knack for striking melodies.

6. “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock

A title track from the album, “Maiden Voyage” evokes an adventurous seafaring journey through its innovative chord progressions and Hancock’s sublime piano playing.

7. “Moanin'” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

From the eponymous album, “Moanin'” is a potent example of hard bop, with an unforgettable bluesy theme played by a stellar lineup of jazz greats.

8. “Sidewinder” by Lee Morgan

From the album of the same name, “Sidewinder” combines hard bop with soul jazz, creating a unique and addictive rhythm that’s still sampled in modern music today.

9. “Autumn Leaves” by Cannonball Adderley

This song from “Somethin’ Else” features Miles Davis. Its haunting melody, especially Adderley’s alto saxophone version, makes it a staple for jazz lovers.

10. “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock

From the “Takin’ Off” album, this track mixes soul jazz with post-bop elements, its catchy, danceable melody makes it a DJ favorite.

11. “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock

A track from the “Head Hunters” album, “Chameleon” is a fusion classic, blending jazz with funk elements. Its unforgettable bass line continues to be a musicians’ favorite.

12. “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson

This piece from “The Blues and the Abstract Truth” album, is a testament to Nelson’s incredible compositional skills. The track is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the minor blues form.

13. “Crystal Silence” by Chick Corea and Gary Burton

From the album of the same name, “Crystal Silence” showcases the exquisite interplay between Corea’s piano and Burton’s vibraphone, crafting a lush, serene soundscape.

14. “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus

A tribute to Lester Young from the “Mingus Ah Um” album, this haunting, beautiful piece showcases Mingus’ skills as a bassist and a poignant composer.

15. “Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard

The title track from “Red Clay,” this song features a funky groove, Hubbard’s fiery trumpet, and innovative fusion influences. It’s a must-have for any jazz library.

16. “Cantaloupe Island” by Herbie Hancock

Another gem from the “Empyrean Isles” album, this track is notable for its infectious, simplistic melody and innovative use of piano voicings.

17. “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie

From “Dizzy Gillespie & His Big Band Live”, this song is a Gillespie classic that takes you on an exhilarating ride through complex rhythms and soaring trumpet melodies.

Fun Facts: Best Jazz Tunes Without Vocals

1. “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet

Believe it or not, “Take Five” is one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time, despite being in an unusual 5/4 time signature. This song really broke the mold!

2. “So What” by Miles Davis

While this track is widely appreciated today, it was initially revolutionary for its modal approach to harmony. Davis essentially redefined the rules of jazz harmony with “So What”.

3. “Blue Train” by John Coltrane

Interestingly, this was the only album where Coltrane himself was the session leader for Blue Note. It remains a timeless example of his early work.

4. “Song for My Father” by Horace Silver

This track had such an enduring melody that it was sampled by Steely Dan for their song “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and by Earth, Wind & Fire for “Clover”.

5. “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock composed “Maiden Voyage” when he was just 24! This track is often used as an improvisational framework due to its unconventional, modal harmony.

6. “Moanin'” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

“Moanin'” was not only popular in the jazz world. The song was such a hit in Japan that a Japanese lyrics version was created, leading to a boom in jazz appreciation in the country.

7. “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock

There are two popular versions of this song: the original 1962 version and a funkier, re-imagined version from 1973. Both are revered in their respective jazz sub-genres.

8. “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock

“Chameleon” isn’t just loved by jazz fans – it’s widely sampled in hip-hop too. Artists like Ice Cube and Dr. Dre have used this track in their music.

9. “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus

This song was a heartfelt tribute to saxophonist Lester Young, who was known for his signature pork pie hat. It’s been covered by numerous artists in various styles, including Joni Mitchell who added lyrics in her version.

From hypnotic beats to soul-stirring melodies, we’ve traversed the timeless landscape of instrumental jazz. Keep grooving and stay tuned for more!

Thanks for reading.

TBone