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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
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
@andresb is the one who mentioned Robben Ford. Thanks andres.
andresb
3 posts
 
You are welcome. You are correct in saying that  Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hooker are blues guys. I always enjoyed the blues. For me blues and jazz have a strong connection. Rock also has a blues connection.  
Robben Ford can play blues, fusion, jazz. Very talented.  Like Jeff Beck who can play anything. Saw him about a year a ago and was blown away. What a guitar player.

As for Jazz Vocals. Check out Tony Bennett duets, Simply Red, Gregory Porter, Randy Crawford, Van Morrison, Dianna Krall, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn and of course Billie Holiday, Ella.
Enjoy.
reubent
6,973 posts
 
Not Jazz, but Robben Ford and the Blue Line - S/T is a GREAT album. Play it loud!
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
@andresb, @reubent , I have listened to some of Ford's more blues based albums. Great stuff.
dwiphefl1128
8 posts
 

     Here's some artists/recordings that you might find will produce the balance between pure jazz and jazz/blues that is not too improvisational. Don't forget the very important role female artists played in both jazz and blues right from the very beginning and many of their recordings are a perfect blend of jazz and blues known as "torch music" and are highly listenable such as older artists like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Alberta Hunter, Shirley Horn and newer artists like Sade, especially her "Love Deluxe" album which to my mind is the perfect blend of cool, melodic jazz with a nice emphasis on the sax.

      As far as male artists, maybe give a listen to Dr. John, Louis Armstrong, John Mayall's  "Turning Point" album featuring John Mark and Johnny Almond, Boz Scaggs, Stan Getz with Gato Barbieri for an intro to South American jazz, and finally and surprisingly, the band Traffic on their classic album Low Spark Of High Heeled boys. All of these artists produced very listenable, accessible jazz with a touch of blues.

  Hope these can help you and don't forget the females.


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