A while ago I began a project of memorizing standards (melody, progression, other important information) based on a list of tunes. I thought it would be interesting to find out what you all consider to be the most important tunes for students of jazz to master. I'll toss out a few to start:

So What/Impressions -- an introduction to modal improvising and the work of John Coltrane
Blue Monk and Straight, No Chaser -- good blues tunes, great exposure to the music of Monk
Autumn Leaves -- II-V7-I in major and minor

Tim Owen