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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
tyray
794 posts
 
Hey @diffin,

The first time I heard Chick Webb on the drums, I lost it.
Check him out.

Santana Caravanserai, yep.
dorkwad
548 posts
 
Absolutely guarantee you will love this album if you favor Steely Dan type music--Michael Franks     Time Together     

It is a double winner--great music and great sound in your style.

Fourplay    Elixir      great music, OK sound.

After you hear the MF album, I have many more in that style I could tell you about.  

Bob
dtrandall
43 posts
 
For timeless classic jazz: Miles Davis, Kind of Blue & Sketches of Spain
For chill saxophone: John Klemmer, Touch
For jazz-inflected pop: Michael Franks
For piano: Ellis Marsalis, Thelonius Monk, Marcus Roberts
Brazilian Jazz: Bebel Gilberto, Nando Lauria, Gabriela Anders
Classic vocal jazz: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington



technick
140 posts
 
Coltrane “Lush Life” seems easily palatable. I was in the same boat as far as not sure what to really look for, and this Coltrane album is what got me to explore jazz more deeply.

Good luck!
lsteele1
7 posts
 
I got into jazz not long ago when I turned some on doing chores around the house. Now I’m head over heels for it, and am learning about new and great artists everyday. I love a good ballad/slower tempo jazz and created a nice sized Spotify playlist of selections. Here are a few excellent albums I have listened to lately. 
Paul Chambers - Bass On Top - the first song Yesterdays is incredible 

Ike Quebec - Blue And Sentimental and also Heavy Soul - very beautiful and accessible Jazz 

Duke Pearson - Tender Feelin’s - beautiful jazz pianist 

Yusef Lateef - Eastern Sounds - Interesting album and I play the song Love Theme From Spartacus almost everyday. Something about his playing... 

Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson - Porgy and Bess - if you love guitar you will love Joe 

Bill Evans and Jim Hall - Undercurrent - beautiful album from start to finish. Excellent piano via Evans and guitar via Hall. 
Dexter Gordon - Biting The Apple - Dexter has a magical way with Ballads. His rendition of Georgia On My Mind is stunning 

Gene Ammons - Boss Tenor - Gene’s plating is beautiful and touching. He can give me chills and My Romance is a great song off this album. 
Ben Webster & Associates - this album, specifically the song Time After Time really got me into Jazz. The subtlety and beauty of his playing made me feel jazz, and his playing was like beautiful lyrics. 
Coleman Hawkins Quartet - Today and Now - A great song is Love Song From “Apache”. 
I could go on but there’s a few ideas.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70s6FreBdsDocjdjJWcxgf?si=6eCfCkXtT_-DHSQmmOMoEQ
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