I spent 12 years learning classical piano and an additional 2 years playing jazz. I’ve stopped taking lessons, so I was hoping you could recommend some songs I should learn. I would like to think that I am moderately talented, so technical ability shouldn’t be a problem. I like relaxed, melancholy, sometimes dark jazz, something with room for improv if possible. Preferably not bouncy, cheery sort of jazz.

As a guide, I love:

Hugh Laurie’s version of ‘Georgia on My Mind’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8qsY4W4wvo

This version of ‘Night & Day’ (not really jazz, I know, but has that flowing, loosely defined feel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qMU17puYnw

This version of ‘But Beautiful’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkdttOw8v9s

Just a few examples, hope you can see what I’m going for! It would be great if you could link to the sheet music, but either way is fine.

Thanks in advance!

Here are some:

Oscar Peterson’s Stormy Weather
Duke Ellington’s Perdido