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Jazz for someone who doesn't like jazz.

I've toyed with the idea of looking into jazz. Not sure why. Not sure what I'm looking for. Maybe just something to sound good on my system. I realize jazz is a broad category but much of what I hear I have not been attracted to. Don't ask me what I've heard.
What I'd like is a recommendation of two or three albums to start with. (I know that's insane)

And since I've given next to nothing to go on I'll point out a few things that I do like that might help narrow it down some maybe.

Jazz-like stuff I do like: Steely Dan. Almost all of their stuff. Van Morrison's jazz influenced stuff like Astral Weeks.
I like blues. Delta and hill country hard core blues.

I like a wide variety of rock from heavy metal, to prog rock to classic R&B.
Does any of that help? I know this is a crazy request but if I could get some recommendations I'll at least have somewhere to start. Not looking for specific recordings yet. Just content. When I find what I like I'll research the best recordings.
Thanks for any possible advice.
George




n80
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Once upon a time, I read that everybody has one jazz album. Miles Davis' Kind of blue. I have it, too.

Start there, it is palatable for people who have only two jazz albums.

There is enough different versions/pressings/etc. of Kind of blue to have you hunting for years. Some are really good.You also have to decide do you prefer messed-up speed, or the original speed. No kidding.

Other suggestions above may be more to your liking in the end, but the way you describe your goal it is hard to start with anything but Kind of blue.
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Please take a chance and listen to one or more of these (past the first few seconds of ads of course) with a GOOD pair of headphones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCopcNpzc60

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Tf6gac0TQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmNJNnGLnDs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWsfCqt3PF0&list=PLB7D80041E3790B43&index=15&t=0s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c-W5BY_dq8

If you like any of them, that means you like smooth jazz (COMPLETELY different from "normal jazz") then try joining jazzradio.com, smooth uptempo.

bobedwards101
176 posts
 
Sonny Rollins, Charlie Byrd, Django Rhinehart, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Herb Alpert and Charles Mingus. That’ll get you off to a good start. 
jdklampett
4 posts
 
Miles,’”Kind of Blue” just listen then don’t then listen to it again. Then don’t, then listen to the notes not being played and then you’ll begin to like what you like better than what you thought you liked. It’s kinda like that with jazz. 
cwory
8 posts
 
I was asking a similar question as you about 3 years ago. 

I started with Miles Davis - Kind of Blue, like many have recommended, it is very easy to listen to and has broad appeal. 

I dug in and tried to learn about the artists and the history of jazz, which has made the exploration even more interesting. There are many good documentaries out there to help with that. 

At least for now my favorite jazz is stuff from the mid 50’s to mid 60’s. I love the sound stage and imaging that was captured in many of the recordings. Dave Brubeck’s Time Out is very good for that. 

Other favorites that have not been mentioned by others are:
Art Blakey - A Night at The Birdland Vol 1
Hank Mobley - No Room for Squares
Lee Morgan - Sidewinder
Cannonball Aderly - Something Else

Enjoy the exploration!

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