Can you recommend Jazz for some one that doesn't like Jazz?


Let me explain, I have tried to like jazz for over 30 years. I rarely find something I like. To me it sounds too disjointed, like everyone is trying to out do the others and they are all playing a different song. I know there has to be some good instrumental smooth jazz artists I am missing. If you have any suggestions of whom to try let me know. Some that are on my Jazz playlist is Pat Metheny-"It's for you"   Bill Frisell _"Heard it through the grapevine"  Holly Cole, George Benson... for an example of things I do like.

 

I'd love to have a 100 song Jazz playlist. So what'ch got for me?

Thanks

128x128fthompson251

@fthompson251

Your query is one of the things I appreciate about the A’gon discussion board. Thanks for asking!

Try Ray Charles. Genius + Soul = Jazz. Ray Charles' sound is readily accessible.

Try Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue. Stellar musicianship and a great recording.

If you like blues-influenced vocals, try Billie Holiday.

If you like melodies, try Joe Pass.

 

Since you like Mose, I would throw in Michael Franks and later George Benson. Dave Frishberg, and Jose James might also strike you. Best of luck and happy Holidays.

Here are a couple that could ease you in, and If you like these you can try some of their other albums that are also largely excellent — Joe Sample “Old Places, Old Faces” is kind of a smooth jazz, and a little more traditional jazz but still approachable and not too hardcore is “Oscar Peterson meets Roy Hargrove and Ralph Moore.”  You might also try Cyrus Chestnut’s self-titled album, which is different still from the other two but very enjoyable as well.  Hope you enjoy!