Your Cocktail Piano Repertoire: 20 Essential Songs

Embark on a journey of musical sophistication and mastery as we unveil 20 essential songs meticulously curated to enrich your cocktail piano repertoire. Crafted to captivate and enthrall your audience, these selections promise to elevate your performances to unforgettable heights.

1. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard (performed by Frank Sinatra)

Start your set with this timeless classic, setting the perfect mood for an evening of sophisticated entertainment.

2. “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart (performed by Chet Baker)

Dive into the realm of emotion and intimacy with this beautiful ballad, sure to tug at the heartstrings of your listeners.

3. “Summertime” by George Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, and Ira Gershwin

Embrace the jazzy vibes of summer evenings with this soulful standard, transporting your audience to a carefree paradise.

4. “Misty” by Erroll Garner (performed by Erroll Garner)

Let your fingers glide across the keys as you explore the lush harmonies and captivating melody of this romantic jazz piece.

5. “Take Five” by Paul Desmond (performed by Dave Brubeck)

Showcase your technical prowess with this signature jazz piece, impressing listeners with its complex rhythms and melodic variations.

6. “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, and Jacques Prévert (performed by Nat King Cole)

Set a reflective atmosphere with this melancholic tune, capturing the essence of fall’s fleeting beauty.

7. “The Girl from Ipanema” by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes

Infuse your performance with elegance and sophistication with this bossa nova classic, transporting your audience to the beaches of Brazil.

8. “Georgia on My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell (performed by Ray Charles)

Stir feelings of nostalgia and warmth with this soulful ballad, evoking memories of home and heart.

9. “All of Me” by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons (performed by Billie Holiday)

Embrace the spirit of improvisation as you interpret this heartfelt jazz standard, allowing for personal expression and creativity.

10. “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart (performed by Ella Fitzgerald)

Enchant your audience with the dreamy melody of this timeless classic, leaving them spellbound by your musical prowess.

11. “Night and Day” by Cole Porter (performed by Cole Porter)

Delight your listeners with the sophisticated lyrics and captivating melody of this enchanting song, showcasing your versatility as a pianist.

12. “Satin Doll” by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Johnny Mercer

Swing into action with this toe-tapping jazz standard, exuding charm and charisma with every note.

13. “Moon River” by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer

Transport your audience to a world of romance and longing with this enchanting song, leaving them yearning for more.

14. “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss (performed by Louis Armstrong)

Inspire hope and gratitude with this heartwarming anthem, reminding listeners of the beauty that surrounds them.

15. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell

Infuse your performance with wit and charm as you interpret this classic jazz tune, keeping your audience entertained and engaged.

16. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg (performed by Judy Garland)

Spark imaginations and dreams with this whimsical song, inviting listeners to journey to a land of infinite possibilities.

17. “Feeling Good” by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse (performed by Nina Simone)

Empower your audience with this soulful anthem, exuding confidence and positivity with every chord.

18. “New York, New York” by John Kander and Fred Ebb (performed by Frank Sinatra)

Capture the spirit of the city that never sleeps with this iconic song, celebrating the excitement and energy of urban life.

19. “As Time Goes By” by Herman Hupfeld (performed by Dooley Wilson)

Take your audience on a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic ballad, evoking feelings of romance and nostalgia.

20. “What a Difference a Day Made” by María Grever and Stanley Adams (performed by Dinah Washington)

Reflect on the transformative power of love and time with this beautiful song, leaving your audience uplifted and inspired.

Including these essential songs in your cocktail piano repertoire will not only enhance your experience as a cocktail pianist but also elevate your performances to new heights, creating memorable experiences for all who listen. So, grab your sheet music, warm up those fingers, and get ready to dazzle your audience with the magic of music!