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
@reubent @oregonpapa Since you mentioned Houston Person, him and Ron Carter have a beautifully recorded album called Remember Love. The double bass on that album is excellent. Excellent album all the way through really.
@oregonpapa  - I'm glad you enjoyed The Joey D. and Houston P. record. Hopefully I've redeemed myself. Am I back in the club? ;~)

BTW, I love the Hammond b3. Doesn't matter the genre of music, I just love that sound.
reubent ...

I already had a few of Joey's CDs. After I bought the one with Houston Person last night, I spent the rest of the night on Spotify listening to his various music. Wow! I didn't realize how much music this guy has recorded. Plenty of guest artists on his various recordings too. Lot's of live concerts too. Thanks again ...

Frank
This talk of Joey got me thinking about genres of jazz that may be accessible and enjoyable to those who prefer something closer to a rock jam session with a dash of funkyness thrown in. Some of the organ trios could rock their butts off.  Very gritty and in a good way. Give a listen to some of the Jack McDuff material with George Benson from the early-mid 60s.  Or from 1969 I believe "Moon Rappin" with Richard Davis laying down some very funky bass.   
@oregonpapa said: "To be honest, David Sanborn is not for jazz purists."

Of course, at this point I am not a jazz purist so that does not make a big difference to me. I do seem to recall hearing about Sanborn, in the 80's maybe, as being more pop oriented like Kenny G. But at that time jazz was not on my radar other than the bits I heard from Steely Dan.

However, the main thing I always got from Kenny G was cheese. I paid no attention to his ability on the instrument, it was just that the music seemed shallow and cheesy to me.

I have never heard Sanborn at all until this album. And while I have nothing to say about recording techniques or his proficiency on the instrument, the songs on Another Hand do not strike me as pablum. They seem mature and thoughtful. That's pretty much all I can say about that.

I did listen to the links you posted regarding 50's vs 40's (vs now).

On my system the recordings from the 50's sound pure, clean, precise, sharp, well defined, natural. I do perceive some sound stage but not much. Maybe all in my head. It has a shape but it is not deep.  The 40's recording sounds like it is in a can, far far away.

Compared to the 1950's recordings the modern recordings, Marcus Miller M2 for instance (aside from the heavy bass) seem to have much more sound stage and it is rounder and deeper. There seems to be more richness for lack of a better word, maybe that is the same as depth. However, they do not sound as clean and crisp as the 50s ones you shared.

I might be totally wrong about all that. I'm totally new to jazz and fairly new to serious hi-fi. Just giving it a shot.