Why not 500? Why not 600? The number 557 is rumored to originate from a specific library compiled by a group of Berklee College of Music professors in the late 1980s. They cross-referenced the Top 100 charts from DownBeat magazine, the ASCAP songbook, and every tune played at the Village Vanguard over a 10-year period. The final tally was 557 unique compositions that had been recorded at least three times by major jazz artists.
is the holy grail. Since these instruments are "transposed," a standard C lead sheet won't work for them; the Bb edition contains the exact same 557 songs but transposed up a whole step so they can play along with the rest of the band. Jazz Guitar Online Highlights from the 557 Collection -FULL- 557 jazz standards in bb
Start with tunes you hear at every jam session. In Bb, these are: Why not 500
The 557 Jazz Standards book, often referred to as a "Real Book" or "Fake Book," is an unofficial but widely used PDF and physical resource. Unlike traditional sheet music that provides full arrangements, this collection focuses on the , allowing musicians to improvise and create their own interpretations. They cross-referenced the Top 100 charts from DownBeat
Jazz standards are the building blocks of the jazz repertoire, providing a shared vocabulary for musicians to communicate, create, and connect with one another. These timeless tunes, often originating from the Great American Songbook, have been interpreted and reinterpreted by generations of jazz musicians, allowing the genre to evolve while maintaining its roots.