Having an ear for Jazz

noisy is a term I use myself to describe all types of music that annoys me.

I often prefer slower or simpler (and often older - 30s, 40s 50s etc.) music these days...

I too have evolved toward more jazz and find myself listening to it almost exclusivly when I put on a CD.

I moved into jazz initially just because I thought I must be missing something. It took a bit of exploration but I found that I was missing a lot. Interestingly this correlated with a diminishing interest in large orchestral pieces (classical) and a development of interest and appreciation into chamber music, especially solo piano.

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My mother loved the Big Bands as this type of music WAS the Pop music of her day, so I was exposed to Jazz since early childhood. Back in the 60's/70's, Rock artists were allowed to jam so recordings by groups like Traffic, Cream, Zappa, Hendrix, etc. released records with long solos. I enjoyed following the thought process of the musicians when they'd solo. From there it was a short hop to listening to Jazz artists doing their thing! I learned about structure and composition later but yeah...Jazz rules!!!

not really mid way through life @ 48 but i just started getting into jazz. started with classical(chamber music) about 3 years ago. jazz bug kicked in last year. still tip toeing around jazz but am enjoying most of it.

not moving away from my favorites... rock(all kinds) and blues. jazz is just something else to enjoy.(along with classical

My entrance into jazz came by way of Chet Baker, Buconero. Someone took me to the documentary, "Let's Get Lost," and Baker's voice just hit me. After listening for several years to Baker, I knew a good bit of the great American songbook. So when I heard a group playing the standards, however extreme the variation, I got it. My taste is pretty narrow, and 75% of jazz--and 75% of classical, especially the orchestral stuff (I'm with you, Newbee)--leaves me cold.

Blues is like lobster: once a year and I'm good.