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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
 
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
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@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.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
^^^ 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
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
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.

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Well, take heart. The brilliant essayist H.L.Mencken said in an essay about true music lovers ... 

"When you go to the opera on opening night and see the gentlemen in their top hats and tails and the ladies in their flowing evening gowns, they are not the true music lovers. They are there to be seen in society." He continued ... "You can always tell true music lovers by the fact that they always try to make their own music. They may be atrocious at it, but they continue to try anyway." 

See ... it is, after all, all about the music. *lol*

Frank
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