I believe that’s because most haven’t developed an ear to appreciate it. And yes, it helps if you’ve played an instrument to give you greater technical understanding.
I think those of us who play instruments have a much more developed ear for music in general. I agree that this can be a big help.
Agreed. Wayne Shorter’s Blue Note recordings were in fact my first non-fusion Jazz record purchases. Believe it or not, I bought them because of the cool cover art! Then I played them and fell in love. Those Shorter albums are still favorites of mine. And, his very first Blue Note "Night Dreamer" is perhaps the most accessible, because the heads are so simple and easily hummable.
FYI: Jaimo PLAYED with James Brown ! ! !
In the liner notes of one of the "Kind of Blue" reissues (can’t keep ’em all straight) there are quotes from Duane Allman about his love for Miles. He loved Coltrane, too. In high school, we used to stay up all night listening to music and the Fillmore album was in heavy rotation. I can still sing along to long stretches of the solos on Whippin’ Post and Elizabeth Reed. That music is deeply embedded in my brain!