I’d suggest giving Ken Burn’s “Jazz” documentary series a spin of you have never seen and see if that helps you find some jazz of interest.
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
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I think if a friend wanted to be introduced to jazz, I would recommend to get a taste of stuff that leans jazz, but not hard core and see if it blossoms... some of the later Steely Dan, Gregory Porter, Erin Bode, Monkey House. Then take a listen to something like Dave Gruisen or Euge Groove, then take a listen to For Duke a terrific Duke Ellington tribute. It's a progression, see if this works at all for you. |
It is important to keep in sight that almost all 20th century most dominant popular music forms originated in the Jazz and blues traditions. Most pop and rock are direct descendants of early combinations of African forms played on European instruments. Listen to the huge discography available of 5 decades recorded by Duke Ellington; the entire 20th century of music is there. You call it Jazz if you want.
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Here are some of my ideas of accessible, melodic jazz: Curtis Stigers - Gentleman Jan Harbeck Quartet - The Sound The Rhythm, Copenhagen Nocturne Kenny Burrell - Midnight Blue Lynne Arriale Trio - The Eyes Have It, When You Listen Mark Isham - Blue Sun Ellis and Branford Marsalis - Loved Ones Peter Bernstein - Better Angels If you like any of those, let me know and I’ll recommend more. In your listening to jazz, you've probably noticed that often no two albums by a jazz musician are likely to sound the same. So try to find the specific albums recommended.
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I am not a big Jazz fan, either. Jazz Fusion, yes, but traditional Jazz, no. I just never could get into it. Appreciate the skill, but I'm an old school rock guy.
However, I discovered a band a few years ago that I really enjoy, Bohren & der Club of Gore, a German ambient/jazz band from Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Check out the albums "Midnight Radio" (1997), "Sunset Mission" (2000), or "Bohren for Beginners" (2016). Incredible, in my humble opinion. Pour a glass of bourbon, dim the lights, and fire up the hash pipe. You'll be in for a treat. |
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