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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
tireddad2
6 posts
 
Unless I missed seeing the recommendation, nobody mentioned:

Pat Metheny,

particularly the old Pat Metheny Group.   

This surprises me.  Very approachable music on most albums.  I believe that some of his compositions will become jazz standards and it is very interesting to hear his songs covered by other artists. 
nicotico
187 posts
 
Some good advice here, but N80 I’ll go contrary to some of it. If you’re new to Jazz skip the Ken Burns series, at least for a while. The only thing you need to know from that whole series is the Wynton Marsalis quip about Jazz “it doesn’t come to you; you have to go to it.” A good radio station that plays a variety of Jazz is indispensable.  And lastly, seek out those who pushed the boundaries of their instruments and music. 
acman3
4,270 posts
 
The Bad Plus.
Blicher, Hemmer, Gadd
Jamie Saft, Steve Swallow, Bobby Previte- You don't know the life
acman3
4,270 posts
 
A few more you may like. Walton is definitely straight jazz, but non-jazzers seem to like him.

Cedar Walton
Holly Cole
Rene Marie- Sound of Red
Massimo Biolcati- Incontre
Chris Lightcap- Superbigmouth
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
  • Damn. That’s brutal. Kenny still made bank, though.

In my estimation, Kenny G. at best played elevator music. He had a real niche, but it wasn’t in jazz. He sold tons of recordings and made tons of money but it wasn’t from jazz fans. I have thousands of jazz recordings, and there’s not one Kenny G. among them.

There was that one night on the old Arsenio Hall show though ...

By the way, are any of you fans of this guy? I am ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMD3TE61PBA&list=RDBMD3TE61PBA&start_radio=1

And then, if you like Coltrane with an international flavor, there’s this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d9cD_Es9k4

Let’s not forget Mingus ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxz9eZ1Aons

And then for the harmonica fans, there's Toots ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLz4jwLN610

Frank
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