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.
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