Very often, when asked which jazz standards are the best for me, we get a list of the top jazz standards we should know. Especially when it comes to learning chord changes and song forms this is certainly a good approach. However, at one point I stopped following this approach and started to put together my own songbook. For many songs I had to research and find the basics. I also often transcribed directly from the recording. Have a look at the list. If you have any suggestions or additions, feel free to contact me. (Note: I will gradually add the sheet music files and some descriptions)

• Always and Forever (by Pat Metheny)
• Anna (by Bert Joris)
• Blue Bossa (by Kenny Dorham)
• Cleopatra's Dream (by Bud Powell)
• Dolphin Dance (by Herbie Hancock, as play by Chet Baker)
• Estate (by Bruno Martino)
• Funk in a Deep Freeze (by Hank Mobley)
• Trippin' the Lovelight Fantastic (by Erik Truffaz)
• Give it all you got (by Chuck Mangione)
• Happiness is now (by Freddie Hubbard)
• Sensuality (by Ibrahim Maalouf)
• Surprises (by Ihbahim Maalouf)
• In the Dark (by Armando Trovaioli)
• Little Sunflower (by Freddie Hubbard)
• Moon Alley (by Tom Harrel)
• Nadalin (by Bobby Shew)
• Never let me go (by Livingston & Evans)
• Recuerdos (by Enrico Rava)
• Arborway (by Rique Pantoja)
• Cinema (by Rique Pantoja)
• Starmaker (by Lou Marini)
• Tiger Walk (by Peter Laine Orchestra)
• To Wisdom the Prize (by Larry Willis)
• You can't go home again (by Don Sebesky)