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
Here’s something a little different. This is a group that my friend Robert and I have heard live many times.

A shout-out to Phil Salazar and The Kin Folks. (Phil is on the fiddle.)

These guys kick Boo-Tay. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6xZi8nByCQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVU96iE-DQg

Frank
@oregonpapa I have to say I have a hard time hearing anyone other than Sam Cooke doing that song. I think Cooke had one of the best voices ever and I think that song is one of his best.
A completely different thought- where in the world of jazz music do the Squirrel Nut Zippers fall? Was it swing? Was it ragtime? Was it jazz? Were they just a novelty act?
I don't know the answers to any of those questions but I bought the CD when it came out. It was fun and my kids liked it. I still listen from time to time. I don't know how it was accepted by the jazz community but it is clear to me that whatever they were they were a talented group of musicians.
n80 ...

Well, I have to admit, I had never heard of the Squirrel Nut Zippers before you brought them up. I did, however, check them out on Spotify. I listened to everything that they offered on the site.

If I had to categorize their style of "jazz," I’d put them somewhere in the Traditional Jazz camp, ala Louis Armstrong and his "Hot Five", with some Django Reinhart thrown in, spiced up for a little humor with the old Spike Jones band.
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I got this CD in the mail today:

A 1959 stereo recording of Mel Torme’ and the Meltones, "Back in Town."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaOpcJEfkQc&list=RDVaOpcJEfkQc&start_radio=1&t=32

The recording features Jack Sheldon - trumpet. Art Pepper - alto. Victor Feldman - vibes. Tommy Tedesco, Tony Rizzi, Barney Kessel - guitars. Joe Mondragon - bass. Mel Lewis - drums.

The CD sounds way better than the YouTube video.
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And as long as we’re on the subject of jazz "For Someone Who Doesn’t Like Jazz," how about we check out some "jazz" done with the feet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IBteauWsHA

And then later in their career with the Cab Calloway band:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8

And finally, there is this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzc7vY9VTnk

Okay, is there anyone left around here who still doesn't like jazz?  :-)

Frank