Help Where to start with jazz?????

In a similar vein to PBB's suggetion above, I highly recommend Leornard Berstein's - Bernstein on Jazz. This recording features Bernstein talking about what to listen for in Jazz. It also includes separate performances with Louis Armstrong and Dave Brubeck. I only recently came across this gem, after 7+ years of heavy Jazz listening. It's still not too late for me to learn from it, and I strongly recommend it to those just getting started.

Buy a copy of AllMusic Guide to Jazz. When you next listen to this radio station pay attention to who is playing. Then research the artist in this guide and buy one of his more highly recommended discs. Often you can also get some hints about who to try next by watching who his sidemen are and researching them as well. That way you'll not waste money on records/artists that you aren't ready for or don't like (yet) and you will still be spending all you can afford on a jazz library that you will enjoy.

Wow, thanks for all the responses. It's really overwhelming! Just in the past few minutes I've enjoyed songs by BEN ALLISON, BABATUNE LEA, AKIRA TANA, LEE MORGAN, DONALD BYRD... Where does the good news stop!

I did see Ken Burns documentary last year and loved it. I was also at that time overwhelmed. Guess I just gota start with a few and network from there.

Thank god for the local jazz station: all that free music and no ads. guess I gotta make a pledge now.

http://www.jazzlist.org/

If you like what you're hearing, you van start by looking for more of the same. Check out your local library for CDs of the artists that are on KCSM and listen to more of their body of work. As you get comfortble with them expand by checking out albums by their sidemen. As you progress, you'll find some styles that resonate with you and some that don't, but you'll be finding more that work for you and that's all that counts.