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

I also was not into jazz until my late 50’s although there were a few things I like and listed to when I was in college. I would definitely recommend Paul Desmond - Dave Brubeck “Duets”. I would add to that, Gerry Mulligan, “Night Lights”, Mary Lou Williams, “Free Spirits”, Miles Davis, “Kind of Blue”, Keith Jarrett”The Melody at Night” and “The Koln Concert”, and finally, the LA 4, “Pavane pour un enfant défunt” (if you can find this record, get it and listen to the entire album of a really good system. Caution, you may end up hopelessly addicted to jazz and the audiophile syndrome! Enjoy the ride! 

Yes, the LA 4 record, particularly the original release, is terrific sounding.  East Wind is a Japanese label that consistently released great sounding records. 

There was once a journalist who interviewed Count Basie.  Like many writers, he wanted to get deep into the emotions and such, considering Basie to be this Great Artist.  When he asked Basie for the meaning of his music, Basie replied in just three words:

"Tap  your foot."
 

@fthompson251

artist : Miles Davis

album : Kind of Blue

This is the best selling jazz album of all time, recorded live in the room, if you don't like this, then you're going to have to flavor your jazz, because this is the real deal. 

@fthompson251 I have a few recommendations for you.

Traditional Jazz Albums:

1. Kind of Blue by Miles Davis

2. Earfood by Roy Hargrove

3. Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock

4. Trilogy by Chick Corea Trio

5. LaFaro by Brian Bromberg 

Contemporary Jazz Albums:

1. Ashes to Ashes by Joe Sample

2. Elixir by Fourplay

3. Givin’ It Up by George Benson & Al Jarreau 

4. Tenderness (Live) by Al Jarreau 

5. We Live Here by Pat Metheny Group