Explore how to play some of the most popular Jazz songs on the kalimba with these simple and easy-to-follow tabs! These tabs are provided for educational purposes only. All rights to the original music belong to the respective owners.
1. Nina Simone - Feeling Good
Feeling Good by Nina Simone is a song that captures the sensation of empowerment and liberation. The lyrics express a newfound sense of freedom and confidence after overcoming struggles and challenges. The singer describes feeling "good," "free," and "alive," emphasizing a positive outlook on life and a readiness to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. The music builds gradually, mirroring the rising sense of exhilaration and joy, making it a celebratory anthem of self-discovery and renewal.
G (G° D° A#) G
F A# (G° D°) F
D# G (D#° C#°) D F D F
2. Nina Simone - I Put a Spell on You
I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone is a bluesy and intense song about love, passion, and obsession. The lyrics speak of the singer's desire to possess and control their lover completely, using mystical and magical imagery to convey the depth of their emotions. The singer feels so consumed by love that they believe they have the power to cast a spell on their lover, binding them to them forever. It's a haunting and captivating song that explores the darker side of romantic relationships. Nina Simone's powerful vocals add an extra layer of intensity to the song, making it a memorable and iconic piece in the realm of blues and soul music.
B G F# E G (B° G° E° B E)
B G F# E G (B° G° E° B E)
(B° G° E° B E) E A# A (A° E° D° A D)
(B° G° E° B E) A# (B A) (B E)
A# (B A) (B° G° E° B E)
(E A) (E C#) (A° E° C° A E A)
(B E) A# (B A) (B E)
(B° G° E° B E) E A# A (A° E° D° A D)
(B° G° E° B E) E A# A C° (B° B D°# B F# B)
E G A B D E E° G# G# E°
3. Nina Simone - Little Liza Jane
Little Liza Jane is a traditional American folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years, including Nina Simone. Simone's version of the song is a lively, upbeat rendition that showcases her powerful voice and unique musical style. The song's lyrics tell the story of a young woman named Liza Jane, who is courted by a number of suitors but ultimately chooses the one who can dance the best. Simone's version of the song is notable for its infectious rhythm, which is driven by a lively piano and percussion section.
E C D C E C D C E G A G
E C D C E C D C E E D C
C 8 G A G E G E G
C 8 G A G E E D C
4. Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
This calming song by Louis Armstrong has such a positive sentiment about the wonderful world that we live in. Originally recorded in 1967, this song is evergreen and still finds its way into modern films such as the Disney hit 'Finding Dory'. It has been covered by various artists but we think that Louis Armstrong's version is the best. If the song doesn't right, tune the B down half a step to Bb.
A G A G C D
F F C D D D C
B B B A G G G F
F F F F F F F E F G A D
F G A B A B A
G C D F F C F D D C
B B B A G G G F
F F F F F F E F G F
5. Kenny G - Songbird
Songbird by Kenny G is an instrumental piece that captures the essence of tranquility and serenity. The song features Kenny G's signature smooth saxophone melodies accompanied by gentle instrumentation, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere. While devoid of lyrics, the melody speaks volumes, evoking feelings of peace, relaxation, and introspection.
The title "Songbird" suggests a connection to nature and the free-spiritedness of birdsong, further enhancing the song's tranquil ambiance. To be able to play this song you will need to custom tune your kalimba or will need to use a chromatic thumb piano instrument that has more than 17 keys so that you can play the sharps, alternatively you can transpose the notes.
D° D#° D° F#° G° F#°
E° D° E° D° E° D° E°
F#° G° F#° G° A° B° A#°
D D° A B D° E° D° E° D°
G° F#° G° D° D#° D°
F#° G° F#° E° D° E°
D° E° D° E°
F#° G° F#° G° A° B° A#°
D D° A B D° E° D° E° D°
G° F#° G° A° B° A#°
6. Sarah Vaughan - Lullaby of Birdland
Lullaby of Birdland is a jazz standard performed by Sarah Vaughan, among others. The song is a homage to the famous Birdland jazz club in New York City, where many legendary jazz musicians performed. The lyrics describe the club as a magical place where the music is soothing like a lullaby, transporting the listener to a world of joy and relaxation. The song captures the essence of the jazz era and celebrates the vibrant energy of the jazz scene in Birdland. Sarah Vaughan's smooth vocals and the catchy melody make "Lullaby of Birdland" a timeless classic in the jazz genre.
(E° C° A) E° D° C° B A
F# A (G# E) E B A
F E° (D° G)
(G° C°) G° F° E° (D° A) C°
(A D) E° D° G# E° D° (G E)
C D° C° F C° B E
(G E) G G B C°
C E G (E° C°#) F° F°# G° E° G° F°
D° D A D° D°# E° (F° B G)
D° F° E° C E G
7. Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind
Georgia on My Mind is a classic song performed by Ray Charles. It expresses a deep longing for the state of Georgia, where the narrator's heart resides. The lyrics evoke imagery of Georgia's natural beauty and charm, with references to its pine trees, sweet magnolias, and moonlight through the pines. The song also reflects on the narrator's affection for someone dear to them who is associated with Georgia. Overall, "Georgia on My Mind" is a heartfelt tribute to the place the narrator considers home and holds close to their heart.
E° G° E° D°
E° A° E° D°
C° D° E° G° B° A°
F° A° F° D° G°
E° G° E° D°
E° A° E° D°
C° D° E° G° B° A°
F° A° F° D° G°
A C° D° E° C° A C°
A C° D° E° G° E° E° D°
