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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
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
n80 OP
2,107 posts
 
I don't remember if anyone has mentioned Harry Connick, Jr. Is that jazz? I have a couple of his albums but not sure if they're jazz or not. I have them because I got them for my wife. I almost never listen to them. The ones I have seem more pop oriented.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
^^^ Connick Jr's. CDs are well recorded. I have several of them. He's a good jazz pianist and ballad singer. Try the one disc (I forget which one it is) where it is just his trio. Nice jazz.

Frank
lsteele1
7 posts
 
I mentioned the Harry Connick Jr. Trio album Lofty’s Roach Soufflé. It is an awesome Jazz instrumental album. It’s a fine listen and maybe can even get your wife on board as well.
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
Re: Kenny G. I’ve never been a fan of his BUT....before he became Kenny G his name was Kenny Gorelick and was a charter member of the original Jeff Lorber Fusion Band. On the 1st few Lorber records, Kenny Gorelick played his butt off!
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