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 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.

n80 OP ...

All of those 50s recordings were recorded in mono and not stereo. What I perceive in the difference is ... with stereo, you are there. With mono ... they are here. 

Honestly, I have tons of early mono jazz recordings where, while listening to them, one has to wonder ... "who needs stereo?" 

If you insist upon stereo only, for 50s and early 60s jazz, check out just about anything on the Contemporary and Pacific Jazz labels. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsonRA6O0NE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TzgLzoo2Jg

Check this one out. It was most likely taken from a 10" mono LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2on5XsIm-Ys

Frank
@oregonpapa I knew they were mono. And I can hear that immediately. I thought I was supposed to look for other differences. I misunderstood.
However, I still felt like there was some sound stage. As impossible as that may be.
In terms of mono vs stereo, in the recordings you linked to, it did not make much difference to me.
However, I have some 60's rock album that are mono and they just sound flat to me.
^^^ Well, believe it or not, on good mono recordings there actually is a sound stage. Maybe not as wide as stereo, but the venue is certainaly there. I wish you were close by ... I’d give you a demo.

By the way, just as a side note, I’m a harmonica player. I’ve been following this woman for years on her Youtube videos. In the beginning, she was a good player. Now? Holy crapola! I keep thinking ... maybe there’s hope for me yet. :-)

Welcome to your introduction to Christelle Berthon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FzBLdmMAk4

Here's another great player. Try to keep your eyes on the harmonica. *lol*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv5w--YW850
Wow, that chick can wail on the harp!

I have dabbled with harmonica. Can’t play much of anything because I never stuck with it. Still have a few of them.

Have drums now. Same scenario but I can play through a few songs now. Went from small, quiet and portable to large, loud and stuck in the basement. My kit is electric and I’m really feeling limited by it. May get real drums before too long.........but the current pandemic is putting a real dent in the paycheck......so maybe later.