Originally a big band hit in the 1940s, this song faded from repertoires until later that decade and the early 1950s when artists like George Shearing, Sarah Vaughan, and Woody Herman began covering it again. Firmly in the cannon of jazz classics, “The Nearness Of You” has a melody that unfolds beautifully and lyrics that match. Be sure to check out Michael Brecker’s performance after you’re done playing along with this funk version.