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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
2,117 posts
 
Enjoying Branford Marsalis' Eternal album. I like that it is laid back but does not, to my untrained ear, seem like "smooth" jazz. The tempo is slow but it is contemplative rather than simply soothing. A little melancholy but so far that seems to be something I like in a jazz album. I really like the drum and bass playing. It seems well recorded.

I purchased a used CD of the album on eBay. About $7. My first jazz CD purchase for me. (I'd purchased a number of jazz CDs for my wife years ago.)
jcipale's avatar
jcipale
63 posts
 
I 2nd many of the suggestions. Let me also add:
grant green
gabor szabo
pat metheny

also,

herbie hancock

n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Just purchased the Robben Ford, Bill Evans, Keith Carlock The Sun Room CD. Would be interested to see what the hard core jazz folks think about this album as apparently Ford is better known as a blues guitarist. I don't know anything about Evans but Carlock has done plenty of jazz work.
ronlykins
1 posts
 
The Bad Plus
Acoustic Alchemy- some may call it new age
Al Dimeola
Mathew Whitaker
Brian Ferry has a great NewOrleans style jazz record but more updated and modern I also enjoy

these are some new jazz and crossover without getting into Miles, Sunny Rollins and more traditional Jazz
you have been given a lot of what I would consider more traditional jazz in this thread,  what I’m encouraging above are more crossover artists
jcipale's avatar
jcipale
63 posts
 
If I may also suggest (in general) is to listen to crossover artists from say rock/pop to pop/jazz. This will give you a bit of a taste of jazz without leaving the familiar.

A good group for this (of which I didnt see a mention of) is Blood, Sweat and Tears. BS&T was comprised of many well known artists that have made significant contributions to the recording/music industry.
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