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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
 
To be honest, David Sanborn is not for jazz purists. He’s similar to Kenny G., in that his music is drenched in artificial digital reverb. The naturally beautiful tonality of the saxophone gets lost in the fog.

I’m not knocking anyone who likes it, as we all have our individual tastes in music. In fact, I think I know what audiophiles like about all of the reverb ... It gives an illusion of a larger, deeper sound stage. But it is totally artificial.

As an experiment, pick up some really good mono jazz recordings from the 1950s, and you will hear what I’m alluding to.

Here’s some examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWC5wBXyozM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2ax0nn-DU0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCZqyAn08Xc&list=PL4ypuAMic-GhjQyIWRBNtJNYzETPWo3yB

And then, there was the 1940s ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxtomarjnj0
Post removed 
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
reubent ...

Yes, I did. I listened to every cut on the album on Spotify.

I’m not saying that David Sanborn plays like Kenny G. What I’m saying is that David Sanborn drenches his music in reverb like Kenny G.

Did you take the time to listen to the mono recordings in my last post? They will give you an idea of what I’m alluding to. Every one of them is in my personal collection. If you can find the Jutta Hipp album, do yourself a favor and buy it. The sound is spectacular. Same with the Miles Davis "Round Midnight" album. They’re in the room with you. :-)

And again, it is nothing personal, as I am not knocking anyone else’s taste in music or recordings.

Check this out ... Bird in flight ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmroWIcCNUI&list=RDa7rSvaknRSI&start_radio=1

Frank
reubent
7,044 posts
 
@oregonpapa  - Sorry, I was editing my post and just decided to delete it. I certainly understand what you're saying about the sound of the sax on "another Hand" when compared to a classic mono recording of sax. Valid point for sure.

I like "Another Hand" for the melancholy tone it carries throughout most of the record. A big part of that sound is Bill Frisell's guitar. Here's my favorite track on the record:

moniCa jane

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

All good. Enjoy the music, wherever it takes you.....
reubent
7,044 posts
 
@oregonpapa  - And Yes, I did listen to the selections you provided. Thank you.
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