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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
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@tubegroover I’ve watched the first five episodes of Jazz and I’m enjoying them.

@andresb I’m familiar with Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hooker. I consider them blues guys but I suppose there is some overlap.

Been listening to Metheny but I get a "new age" vibe from some of his stuff that I’m not into.
Will look into some of the guitar and bass guys you recommended.

@klimt I’ll listen to that Sarah Vaughn album. I’m not much into female vocals but I bet my wife will like it.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Okay, now I’ll make a recommendation for folks new to jazz who are into rock and blues:

Robben Ford’s The Sun Room with Bill Evans (sax player, not the other one), Keith Carlock and James Genus. Maybe more blues that jazz. I don’t know. Guitar heavy. I like it a lot. Seems well produced as well.


I know Keith Carlock for his work on Steely Dan’s Two Against Nature which is brilliant and one of the best produced albums I’ve ever heard. He is also an instructor on Drumeo which is an online drum instruction site. I’ve watched several of his classes.

Apologies (and thanks) if someone else already recommended this album.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@andresb is the one who mentioned Robben Ford. Thanks andres.
andresb
3 posts
 
You are welcome. You are correct in saying that  Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hooker are blues guys. I always enjoyed the blues. For me blues and jazz have a strong connection. Rock also has a blues connection.  
Robben Ford can play blues, fusion, jazz. Very talented.  Like Jeff Beck who can play anything. Saw him about a year a ago and was blown away. What a guitar player.

As for Jazz Vocals. Check out Tony Bennett duets, Simply Red, Gregory Porter, Randy Crawford, Van Morrison, Dianna Krall, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn and of course Billie Holiday, Ella.
Enjoy.
reubent
7,035 posts
 
Not Jazz, but Robben Ford and the Blue Line - S/T is a GREAT album. Play it loud!
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