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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
disc
119 posts
 

I can’t recall ever reading a full set of responses and agreeing so thoroughly with them.  There is a lot of great advice above.  A reason to treasure this site.  I’d add to the many excellent recommendations: Herbie Hancock, Headhunters and Cantaloupe Island and one of my favorite songs, Peaches en Regalia by Frank Zappa (he recorded a bunch of versions).  Zappa has a lot of cross-over.  This particular song has no lyrics and is more accessible than a lot of his other music.  With my and the other recommendations above, I’d try stuff out and then dive in to what you find enjoyable.  Have fun!

oliver_reid
71 posts
 

Try "Jazz at the Pawn Shop". A wonderful live recording at a jazz club in Stockholm.

They cover some classics and the sound is amazing.

firstonetallguy
88 posts
 

@stuartk

 

Wow.  This was a wonderful explanation of what Jazz is.  I listen to Jazz almost as much as Rock and Roll but I dislike heavy improvisational Jazz.  Your descriptions of the different types of Jazz and the various interpretations really gives me more avenues to search.  Thank you for your contribution.

zlone
679 posts
 

I took it upon myself to learn to like jazz about ten years ago, and it has now become my primary genre. Lots of great recommendations here. In between sampling those, I would recommend finding some higher quality jazz stations and let them play. As you hear things you like, explore those artists further on your subscription platform of choice. 

scottya118
163 posts
 

Here are a dozen titles I consider a "Jazz Starter Kit:"

1) Dave Brubeck - "Time Out"

2) Miles Davis - "Kind Of Blue"

3 Duke Ellington - "Live At Newport"

4) Duke Ellington - "Blues In Orbit"

5) Lester Young and Teddy Wilson - "Prez And Teddy"

6) Oscar Peterson - "We Get Requests"

7) Monty Alexander, Ray Brown, and Herb Ellis - "Trio"

8) Bill Evans - "Live At The Village Vanguard"

9) Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - "Ella And Louis"

10) Stanley Turrentine - "That's Where It's At"

11) Vince Guaraldi - "Greatest Hits"

12) Ahmad Jamal - "At The Pershing/But Not For Me"

More to discover