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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
reubent
7,030 posts
 
Not Jazz, but Robben Ford and the Blue Line - S/T is a GREAT album. Play it loud!
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@andresb, @reubent , I have listened to some of Ford's more blues based albums. Great stuff.
dwiphefl1128
8 posts
 

     Here's some artists/recordings that you might find will produce the balance between pure jazz and jazz/blues that is not too improvisational. Don't forget the very important role female artists played in both jazz and blues right from the very beginning and many of their recordings are a perfect blend of jazz and blues known as "torch music" and are highly listenable such as older artists like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Alberta Hunter, Shirley Horn and newer artists like Sade, especially her "Love Deluxe" album which to my mind is the perfect blend of cool, melodic jazz with a nice emphasis on the sax.

      As far as male artists, maybe give a listen to Dr. John, Louis Armstrong, John Mayall's  "Turning Point" album featuring John Mark and Johnny Almond, Boz Scaggs, Stan Getz with Gato Barbieri for an intro to South American jazz, and finally and surprisingly, the band Traffic on their classic album Low Spark Of High Heeled boys. All of these artists produced very listenable, accessible jazz with a touch of blues.

  Hope these can help you and don't forget the females.


n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@dwiphefl1128, thanks for the recommendations. For some reason I am not drawn to female vocals in any of the music I listen to. I am not sure why. I do have a few favorites but not many. Anyway, as I've mentioned several times in this thread, my wife likes more of the jazz that I am listening to than most of the other stuff I listen to (with the exception of classic R&B which she likes). But, she does like most of the female vocalists you mentioned and it is actually nice when she likes to listen to music along with me so I will be motivated to give them a chance.
I have had that Traffic album for a while. Mostly for the title track but I'll have to give the whole album a re-listen.
George
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
Enjoying Branford Marsalis' Eternal album. I like that it is laid back but does not, to my untrained ear, seem like "smooth" jazz. The tempo is slow but it is contemplative rather than simply soothing. A little melancholy but so far that seems to be something I like in a jazz album. I really like the drum and bass playing. It seems well recorded.

I purchased a used CD of the album on eBay. About $7. My first jazz CD purchase for me. (I'd purchased a number of jazz CDs for my wife years ago.)
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