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
@mdemaio Thank you for your response. And sure, seeing what comes naturally and what hooks you is great. As you say....."there is no end to what you can find" but that very reason can make it a challenge to dive into any genre unguided. The signal to noise ratio is low. One could spend hours and hours listening to garbage and then wrongly assume "jazz is not for me".

And even though I've only been a member here for a year or so, I've come to trust the good judgement and good taste of some of these folks. That helps narrow the field and increases chances of "success" in my opinion.

Even in the case of rock and R&B which I know pretty well I have gotten recommendations here on great music that I now love that I might never have come across otherwise.

In any case, you are correct, the interconnectedness of jazz makes it an interesting and twisting path and I'm still enjoying that. The Ken Burns series is helpful on that account as well.

So far I have to admit that I'm still a little luke warm on jazz. I do recognize in it enough to keep me listening though. The hook may come later. It might not. But, learning about it will not have been a waste of time even if it doesn't hook me in.

I do plan on seeing some live jazz as soon as possible.
Seriously, give Danny Gatton a listen. He is a virtuoso guitarist (Vince Gill nicknamed him The Humbler) who mixes Jazz, Rockabilly, Hillbilly (he’s a master at the Merle Travis style), and Blues styles. There are some YouTube videos in which Danny shows guitarists how he does it. Incredible technique, but more than just that. A very cool musician's musician.