Can you recommend Jazz for some one that doesn't like Jazz?

I found years ago that big band jazz is pretty easy to enjoy & “ understand “ for someone unfamiliar w/ much of jazz as I was. It’s generally more structured w/ less improvisation.

stuartK’s explanation of jazz is excellent & it may sound strange but I really began to appreciate the Grateful Dead after I realized that much of their music follows this jazz format of stating a central theme as a group,  taking turns w/ variations on that theme & then finally returning to that group theme albeit often a bit changed or even expanded. For those who don’t know, Jerry Garcia was a great musician who could play many types of music at a high level. 

Almost every person who "doesn't like jazz" seems to like simple solo female vocal jazz artists like Norah Jones's first record, Holly Cole's early releases, Sophie Milman, Patricia Barber, even Blossom Dearie.

I love this post!!

@fthompson251 i must be your music doppelgänger!  I’m still trying to “get” traditional jazz after 50+ years.

 Thank you @stuartk , your post was very enlightening and educational!

In addition to the many great recommendations you have received already, here are some jazz artist I enjoy. They tend to stick with a tune but some do improvisation along the way:

Guitar led:

• Chris Standring
• Chuck Loeb
• Les Sabler
• Larry Carlton
• Jeff Lorber
• Paul Brown
• Thom Rotella
• Chieli Minucci
• George Benson
• Earl Klugh
• Acoustic Alchemy

Trumpet led:

• Rick Braun
• Cindy Bradley
• Chet Baker
• Chris Botti

Piano/keyboardled:

• Brian Simpson
• Oli Silk
• Bob James
• Paul Hardcastle

Bass Led:

• Brian Bromberg 

I can’t recall ever reading a full set of responses and agreeing so thoroughly with them.  There is a lot of great advice above.  A reason to treasure this site.  I’d add to the many excellent recommendations: Herbie Hancock, Headhunters and Cantaloupe Island and one of my favorite songs, Peaches en Regalia by Frank Zappa (he recorded a bunch of versions).  Zappa has a lot of cross-over.  This particular song has no lyrics and is more accessible than a lot of his other music.  With my and the other recommendations above, I’d try stuff out and then dive in to what you find enjoyable.  Have fun!

Try "Jazz at the Pawn Shop". A wonderful live recording at a jazz club in Stockholm.

They cover some classics and the sound is amazing.