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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
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
A good way to start is smooth jazz guitar.  (Just pick any album from the artists below)

Marcus Miller......will test your bass resolution.
Dominic Miller
Chuck Loeb

And for vocals- Susan Wong
mortsnets
42 posts
 
The Bad Plus
Esperanza Spalding
Robert Glasber
John Scofield
Bill Frisell
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
Thanks guys. I'll get busy giving these a try.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Oregonpapa is your man for this.
He helped me a LOT with exactly the same quandary.
Some of his choices were excellent.
Maybe shoot him a pm?
reubent
7,051 posts
 
@n80 - Good to see you posting. Seems like I haven’t seen you on A-goN for a while. I hope all is well with you.

I’m not really much of a jazz fan, but I do like Steely Dan and I’ve heard plenty of jazz that I do enjoy (and much that I don’t enjoy!). I’ll try to post a few tunes to this thread every once in a while as something comes to mind.

@mortsnets - Mentioned Bill Frisell. I just listened to David Sanborn - "Another Hand" album a couple of nights ago. Bill Frisell plays guitar on that album and it is fantastic, but very melancholy. Probably not the right album if you are depressed. But, it sets a mood that reminds me of the times we’re living in today. Good stuff. Check out the album, starting at the beginning.

Here’s another good album to start with: Ramsey Lewis - "Wade in the Water" Fun, upbeat stuff.

One more - Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery - "The Dynamic Duo" Another fun one.

Have fun and enjoy.
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