Who was your first

My dad liked Al Hirt when I was kid. That was my first real exposure.

Later, "My favorite Things" by Coltrane on 70's era FM public radio caught my ear.

Chuck Mangione "Feels So Good" was my first album purchase as I recall.

Jmcgrogan2,

I have actually on a whim within the last few months picked up a couple used Spyro Gyra albums in mint condition for a pittance, like a buck apiece. These are very good recordings and the music and performances are quite good and enjoyable overall if not earth shattering creatively.

$1 can still buy you some good new sounds these days!

I'm not laughing.....

Goldeneraguy,

I can take or leave "Feels So Good" these days though it was a big breakthrough hit for the guy back in the 70's.

The Mangione album I still own, play with some regularity and really enjoy is "Tarantella".

Does "Chicago" count?

How about "Blood Sweat and Tears"?.

Didn't a lot of folks get first exposure to some finer and more accessible elements of Jazz through these guys?

"You guys forgot Kenny G."

... and Herb Albert????

Ken Burn's Jazz documentary is the most recent and definitive accounting of the history of Jazz, is it not?