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
I often peruse posts like this and liten to many of the recommendations. So thanks all. “Swiss Time” by Les McCann & Eddie Harris “The Girl From Ipanema” by Getz/Gilberto And a Jazz piano sampler http://open.qobuz.com/playlist/16555554 |
I'm in the same boat. Most jazz is just too busy and complex for me to enjoy. I like jazz ballads best. Simple and soulful music is my thing. Like you, I found Bill Frissell and Pat Matheny to be the most listenable. While both do their share of "complex" stuff, much of their work is more accessible to me. Stanley Turrentine has an album of ballads I like a lot. Bottom line for me is "do I feel it". Most jazz feels emotionless to me. It's music for musicians.
|
I think that a big reason for the popularity of "jazz fusion" was because it felt somewhat familiar to rock music fans, yet it also represented a new avenue to explore. So, if "familiarity" is what you're looking for than your mention of Holly Cole might be important, since she tends to cover some well known songs that you are probably already familiar with. If jazz vocalists are a priority, I'd add Michael Franks to your list. |
Welcome to the Club! I have tried to like Jazz for decades, as well, including a dozen deliberate weeks of "maybe this time", "maybe this group". During the journey, I have found a few very good performers, but mostly duds. Listening to 'giants' (Monk, Coltrane, Davis, etc.) was, mostly, painful. I wish I could have these hours back... With that perspective - I have some recommendations of Jazz performances that I truly enjoy and may be unique. Getz/Jocbin Boots Randolf Henry James Lenny Marcus - great Jazz transcriptions of Beethoven, plus some new pieces Benny Goodman Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey Most of the Windham Hill artists - Montreux, Barbra Higbe, Daryl Anger, Michael Manring, Alex de Grassi, some Shadowfax, etc. LA4
|
