Can you recommend Jazz for some one that doesn't like Jazz?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xYFsHg6SVQ

It's been mentioned several times, worth a mention again- must be at the top of the list for "jazz for the beginners" due to the rigid timing structure and sax melody

Take Five- Brubeck 

You must be familiar with it already  @fthompson251 ? What are your thoughts of this? Don't worry, you won't ruffle my feathers :) 

It's football playoff weekend, there are 4 pages of suggestions so it's going to take me time to sift through it all.

Check out the blues type jazz.

  Soulville by Ben Webster or any of the Webster albums.

 

Also Jazz Samba stuff like the wave Antonio Carlos Jobim - Stan Getz

Hope that helps Happy Listening!!!

I think that Alice Cooper did some work with The Holly Cole Trio way back many years ago that was said to be interesting.  

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

I own the CD from Miles Davis, Kind of Blue

I saw The Crusaders but no one mentioned Joe Sample’s solo efforts??? Terrifically accessible!

Others that may be accessible by non-jazz folks: Ramsey Lewis, Warren Bernhardt, Candy Dulfer (funk, R&B fusion).

I’m sure there are others but it’s too early this morning to think of any more!

@stuartk

Must be hard to "sing along" with Liz Reed since it's an instrumental! Scatting?

As I'm sure you're aware, Phil Lesh introduced the other members of the Dead to Coltrane, among others. And Bob Weir has often said that his chording style has been greatly influenced by McCoy Tyner.

Chet Baker

Eddie Harris

Lonnie Liston Smith

Deadato

Tom Scott

Michael Franks

John Klemmer

Modern Jazz Quartet

If you stream, check out WCLK college radio in Atlanta, Ga great jazz mix

I agree with onhwy61. You say it all in your title. There's so much good music out there If you've been trying for 30 years and you just don't get it, why bother.  onhwy61 is right, It's not like anything is going to change. I don't think one day you will proclaim OH, now I get it. Listen to what you like, don't force yourself to like a genre you think your "supposed" to like. Isn't that the point.

Very melodic jazz/blues artist that I love is Gene Harris. He was a fantastic pianist with his own style and his Quartet recordings often had Ray Brown on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums. He also recorded several Big Band albums in the style of Count Basie. Diana Krall is a modern sultry pianist/vocalist that has a very large audience appeal. For contemporary "cool jazz" I recommend the Rippingtons, Peter White, Richard Elliot and David Benoit.

It sounds like what you like is composition, through-composition. Nothing wrong with that. The most extreme version of the jazz you are not into as much would be free jazz, starting, say, at the beginning of the 60s. But there are many jazz composers who incorporate the shift to modal progressions (as opposed to standard blues progressions, pentatonic scales, etc) in the 1950s. Try the collaborations between Miles Davis and Gil Evans (Porgy and Bess; Sketches of Spain), Evans' Out of the Cool, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson (Blues and the Abstract Truth), or Lalo Schiffrin.  I wouldn't turn my nose up at John Barry's early James Bond soundtracks either. Glad you are exploring Wes Montgomery.  Although firmly in blues traditions, Jimmie Smith is a genius improviser/composer, and his collaborations with Wes are amazing. In my opinion, exploring that golden age of the late 50s, early 60s, on the cusp of the turn to free jazz and fusion, will provide some great entry points. Then you can stretch from there into the records of Miles Davis' second group: ESP, Sorcerer, Miles Smiles, etc. and on from there. Enjoy!   ps - Jeff Parker is a genius. Check out Isotope 217's _The Unstable Molecule_ from the 1990s. 

@ezwind

Not really, if you know the melody. It’s not like I’m making it up myself, which is how I define scatting -- improvisation in the moment, when a singer utilizes their voice like a horn to create new melodic lines.

Yes -- I’m aware of what you state about the Dead. It could be said that Garcia’s awareness and utilization of chord tones in his soloing was more akin to how a Jazz player would solo, as opposed to the more typical (For Rock) approach of overlaying a scale or two over a progression. (The Son’s Terry Haggerty was another). I’m a huge fan of Weir’s playing and know about his admiration for Tyner.

The thing is, for me, the Dead don’t sound much like Jazz. Much of their music is very major-sounding, as opposed to dominant-sounding. They may have been as influenced by Jazz as the Allman Brothers, but to my ear, the sound of Jazz is much more evident in the music of the Allmans -- not only harmonically, but rhythmically. The Allmans swung! Nevertheless, the Dead’s improvisatory approach definitely helped open me up to Jazz.

However, when I think about it, it was actually Stevie Wonder who probably had greatest influence in this regard -- particularly "Innervisions". That really opened my ears, not only in terms of listening, but it made me want to expand my chordal knowledge and understanding on the guitar. I began trying to transpose his piano chords to guitar, which in turn made me realize many of the guitar chords in the Innervisions "songbook" I’d bought were inaccurate. But I digress.

@garrettc

Wes Montgomery's guitar playing is jazz, but he's very lyrical

 

Your insertion of  "but" makes it sound as though lyricism is a rare exception in Jazz. Not to my ear!  

Diana Krall's music is excellent.  Wes Montgomery's guitar playing is jazz, but he's very lyrical, Cal Collins is lyrical and excellent, Joe Pass, Wendell Jones Trio, Frank Vincent.  For Brazilian, Susana Baca or anyone who does Antonio Carlos Jobim's music. If you like smooth jazz try some Peter White, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Kenny G.  There are so many jazz artists who are lyrical as well as jazz oriented.

@stuartk

Yes, the Dead’s jazz influences don’t show up as consistently as with the ABB, probably because their music encompasses a lot more different musical styles and genres. But you can certainly hear it in songs like Eyes of the World, Bird Song, Crazy Fingers, and some versions of Dark Star. And the band would swing a lot more when Kreutzmann was the sole drummer for a few years in the early 70s.

Garcia played a lot more in the jazz vein with his own bands, especially with Merl Saunders and Howard Wales. He did some great versions of My Favorite Things with Merl. And of course, you also have Jazz Is Dead, which showed how many Dead songs could be adapted and played more 'jazzily' if that's a word.

@stuartk  I didn't mean it that lyricism is an exception in jazz.  It's just my preference, so I passed some recommendations on.  The "but" Wes Montgomery, probably should remove the "but".  I generally write off the top of my head, not a lot of editing. Sorry about that.  

I have friends who feel similar, never liked jazz. I have an extensive amount of jazz LPs and CDs in my collection and have enjoyed almost every new discovery, new and old. I have tried throughout the years to introduce my friends to jazz artists and recordings that might change their minds, even the most mainstream, never could. We all once went to a performance at the Jazz Standard in NYC a few years ago. At the end I turned to them and said " That was thrilling". They both said, "I hated it!". Different strokes.

@garrettc

Got it. I think I’m the one who owes you an apology for jumping to conclusions!

BTW, I enjoy lyrical Jazz, too. As an example, as I type this, I’m basking in the lyrical beauty of Mr. Stan Getz. The album is "Bossas and Ballads".

@theskipperthree

I’ve had the same experience. People have said "you actually like this?" and "It sounds like they’re playing two or three songs at once". Clearly, not all music is for everyone but which factors come into play in any given case can be difficult to pin down. 

 

OP.."I have tried to like jazz for over 30 years"... Over 30 years of trying is a hint that jazz is not your thing... My advice is to move on brother and explore other music. So much music out there to enjoy.

Larry Coryell - The Lift

Jeff Beck

Steely Dan simply ear candy

Cannonball Adderly - Something Else

Beastie Boys - Check Your Head... In 3's

Sonny Rollins - Way Out West

Joshua Redman - Spirit Of The Moment @ The Village Vanguard

My music library is vast with 20% covering Jazz, so much to discover and I have only scratched the surface.

What To Listen For In Jazz - book includes a CD... my copy is 30 years old and looks like it has been carried by a student for 3 days... good condition.  Let me know where to ship and I will get you your cost.

Jeff Beck - Wired or Blow By Blow

As an old rocker myself I recommend:

Archie Shepp

Return to Forever / "Romantic Warrior"

Clarke, DiMeola, Ponty / "Rite of Strings"

Madeleine Peyroux

Mahavishnu Orchestra - fusion

Vince Guaraldi / "Oaxaca"

Isao Suzuki / "Blow Up" (preferably on 45rpm vinyl)

Patricia Barber

Brian Bromberg / "Brombo!"

Linda Ronstadt / "What's New" "Lush Life" etc

Chris Botti / "To Love Again - The Duets"

Passport / "Hand Made" "Cross-Collateral" "Infinity Machine" - fusion

Pierre Moerlen's Gong - All are good to great - fusion

John Whitney / "Classical Jazz"

Lenny White / "Venusian Summer" - fusion

Melody Gardot

Ponta Box / "Modern Juzz"

I would also look at some of the various samplers to get an idea of the artists you prefer. Some that come to mind are from Marantz, Burmester, Vevus Records

Watch the Ken Burns series, "Jazz" on PBS.  That may go a long way in clarifying your understanding of jazz.  My mom took me to hear Armstrong when I was 10 (1952), and he sold me on jazz immediately.  The Hot 5 and Hot 7 records virtually defined the direction of jazz (and, to a degree, pop and rock, and even Broadway) for decades.  Listen to those recordings a number of times, and pick out a different instrument to follow each time you listen.  Finally, take in the numbers as a whole.  Armstrong said they did not improvise--everything they did was planned--variations on themes,  Also, pick up the Willie Humphrey performance of "My Blue Heaven" on YouTube.  His extended clarinet solo there is a model of elegance.  For utter abandon, find the YouTube recording, "Ice Cream," by the December Band in 1965.  John Handy's extended sax solo in the middle of the piece will have you shaking your head just as a few members of the band were doing.  Finally, pick up a few of Tuba Skinny's long sessions on YouTube, and if you get a chance, hear them live.  Their vocalist, Erika Lewis, will  make you cry. They are preserving traditional jazz as well as any group in the world.   

Wow. If I were a guy who didn't know much about jazz and I asked that original question these responses, put together, would have left my head spinning!  Humor aside, if you like Mose Allison, you're pretty much already there.  

Maybe start by process of elimination, or simplify your selection process.  Given the wide range of musical styles referred to as JAZZ, start by identifying what appeals to you musically then choose artists that fit. For me, not really into big band, Dixieland, fusion, or experimental styles.  Jazz guitar, piano, saxophone, female vocals in smaller groups or ensembles are more my style.  Maybe call it more ‘traditional’ jazz.  Several artists listed in this thread fill my somewhat limited collection, meet my criteria, and I really enjoy during repeat sessions.  FWIW, several have passed but left prodigious musical  legacies.  The musical prowess and technical proficiency of the greats make most rock musicians sound like amateurs by comparison, IMHO. 

Yeah, numerous Mose Allison comments, he was a gem... moody, quirky sprinkled with humour throughout

The Mose Chronicles v2 in London* is not to be misses 

Yes I can understand you ,years ago ,I worked 11 pm to 8 am at the old PO.and the guy at the desk would play Free Form Jazz....I hated it...just blasting  note without any form of music ,Terrible....But you need other stuff... Older jazz Like  Chat Baker,Gerry Mulligan,The Rippingtons.Thats a good start, it's music,with form,classic songs....Enjoy my  Man and  have a Great Christmas....

@ezwind

Yes, the Dead’s jazz influences don’t show up as consistently as with the ABB, probably because their music encompasses a lot more different musical styles and genres. But you can certainly hear it in songs like Eyes of the World, Bird Song, Crazy Fingers, and some versions of Dark Star. And the band would swing a lot more when Kreutzmann was the sole drummer for a few years in the early 70s.

Sure. I don’t contest any of the above. Comparing the Allmans to Jerry and the boys, I meant, overall. I much prefer Kreutzmann on his own. IMHO, he didn’t need any help!  Like Mitch Mitchell, he has a "slippery" feel. I prefer this approach to heavy handed "bashers".  

 

@stuartk,

I think you have ’Jaimoe’ aka John Lee Johnson aka Jai Johanny Johanson who was a drummer with the Allman Brothers with ’Jabo’ John Starks who was a drummer with James Brown. But James Brown did spend a lot time in Macon, GA which is where Capricorn Records was and was the recording company for the Allman Brothers. But I wouldn’t be surprised if James Brown tried to steal him from Greg and Duane and ’Jaimoe’ said no because James Brown was known not to pay his band at times..

I never thought of the dead a ’jazz’ type band but that makes sense cause if I’m not mistaken their shows were very improvisational.

@tyray

You’re right-- it was Otis Redding! My bad.

From interview:

I remember one day down in Muscle Shoals, I figured I’d been there long enough, so I asked Duane Allman, "Man, tell me something, why do you want to have two drummers?" And he said, "Because Otis Redding and James Brown had two drummers." So I didn’t ask him anything else, I said something like, "Well, that’s cool, because I was one of the drummers with Otis."

 

 

Atlanta's Jazz Station--Classic, Cool, Contemporary

https://www.wclk.com/

Clark Atlanta University WCLK 91.9

Just click the button at the top left for music or stream.

This is easy because I’m not a big fan of pure Jazz or traditional Jazz, but I love Smooth Jazz or Contempary Jazz of the 80’s and 90’s. Here’s some artists to start with that won’t disappoint. Fourplay, Boney James, Richard Elliot, Hiroshima, Bob James, Rick Brawn, The Rippentons, Lee Ritnour, Soul Ballet, 3rd Force, Randy Crawford, Brian Culberson, Peter White, Larry Carlton, Art Porter, Paul Taylor, Herb Albert, David Sanborn, Dave Koz, and Russ Freeman. There’s many more, but AVOID Kenny G...

If you want a few select albums that knock your socks off... The Rippentons LIVE Across America, Boney James - BackBone and Fourplay Fourplay (debut abum). If you like either of these 3 albums then you’ll be hooked and want more.

 

@tyray 

During the mid 70's, the Dead displayed a Jazz influence insofar as incorporating chord changes beyond triads and modal improvisation. Odd time signatures were already part of their approach. But so did many many artists at that time. None were playing Jazz, as I see it.

I'd say Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder were on a whole other level in this regard.

Others may disagree. 

Venus Records I meant.

@stuartk Thanks for the clarity as I really don’t know that much about The Dead.

All I know about the Dead is their fan base showed levels of Devotion unseen by any other ensemble I’ve ever seen and the little I did happen to hear was to me kinda organic before the term was ever coined.

Now Stevie Wonder, after his albums Talking Book, Music of My Mind and Innervisions to me he and his music were uncategorizable and completely Transcendental. You could go on and on for a lifetime trying to explain his music. Words just don't cut it.

 

@allenf1963

I am not really a fan of jazz either, although I’ve been known to dabble in the ambient / French / Brazilian subgenres

I just wanted to say thanks for recommending Bohren & der Club of Gore. I hadn’t heard of them but I am really liking their music so far.

I am really enjoying the LP I’m listening to right now (Dolores). Now, to be honest, I’m not sure I would call it "jazz". Shoegaze jazz? Just made that up

As a bonus, it is a great record for testing the sonic abilities of your amps and speakers.

Thanks again!

 

To clear the air, I have not been trying to like Jazz for 30+ years, I am coming back to try and learn what I like because I have a great system and a lot more time. (I rebuilt my Audio System from my 15 years absence from it because life had other ideas.)  I want to explore new music now. @howardlee You are absolutely correct, my head is spinning with all the suggestions it is absolutely overwhelming. I realized 2 days ago I have 75-100 Jazz CD’s on the bottom shelf of my collection. I collected Jazz when I was in my 30’s (I am 70 now) that I can play and research what floated my boat long ago. I have many from the suggestions on the 4 pages of this thread so far. It’s nice to hear others have the same question as I, I am not alone here. Jazz lovers sure a passionate group! Happy Holidays to all.

I’d love to have a 100 song Jazz playlist. So what’ch got for me?

You got your 100 songs yet? If you already have that many jazz cd’s, one of them must be Dave Brubeck- Time out.

You’re right- it ended up being a great thread- there are plenty of names I haven’t heard of before in this list, need to make note of these and check them out.

Not sure what your streaming options are OP but the wonderful thing about Roon Radio is you play one song you find that floats your boat, and it plays other tracks similar to it, with the same music "style" and as a result you discover wonderful new tunes you never knew existed, similar to reading threads like this.

Hope your favourite teams won yesterday. 

Here are some Jazz playlists any one of you can use or cull from. (A while back I tired to start a playlist Qobuz Playlists Exchange but it fizzled..much updating to those lists now anyway) For stepping into Jazz, Sonny Stitt and Art Pepper are easy entry giants to listen to. "Cleveland blues" By Sonny Stitt and "Patricia" by Art Pepper have rocked my world for decades.

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329909

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329915

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329919

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329923

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329930

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329935

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329940

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329941

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329942

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329943

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329944

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329946

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329945

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329947

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329948

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329949

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/8893054

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2329951

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/3213225

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/3340452

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/3463023

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/3480249

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/3546345

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/5339546

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/5543617

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/6387584

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/6641277

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/7172436

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/8018652

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/9578285

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/9783006

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/11059042

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/12345073

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/12893162

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/13234132

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/13900631

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15434064

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15947438

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/16262535

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/16447242

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/17003464

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/17644214

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/19134843

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/21732983

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/21733004

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2332249

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/8772427

https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/16555554

To appreciate and like jazz one has to understand, and more importantly, "HEAR and PROCESS" the chord structures and chord progressions.  Without that ability, jazz sounds like a lot of unstructured notes randomly put together.  The term Jazz was coined in the late 19th century based on the music genre originated from New Orleans but classical composers like Bach and Mozart could have been called the jazz musicians in their days.  Just listen to any classical performance that is called "Variations on a theme by ...." and if you can make out the melody on each variation then you can "hear" jazz. Jazz has evolved into many forms but if you give the chord progression of a song to a group of jazz musicians they can play together based on it without needing to know what song they are playing.  Each musician can take turn improvising using that progression while the others provide support based on the same.  If you can hear when one of them stray from the progression then you can "hear" jazz.  If you can't chances are you won't like jazz.  Some of these chords and progressions can be very complex. Brazilian jazz has very weird chords and you have to be able to recognize them when you hear them. Most popular music has simpler chords and progressions with an easily recognized melody. 

Why not start at the beginning?  What have you heard that you like?  What have you heard that you don’t like?  This way, you may receive better targeted and more valuable responses; make sense?

I second most of @gfguillot recommendations in the smooth/ contemporary genre with a many more tasty morsels listed below...

The Rippingtons- Curves Ahead

Acoustic Alchemy -Red Dust & Spanish Lace/ (all albums are great)

Special EFX -Double Feature/Global Village

Warren Hill

Earl Klugh

Steve Cole

Larry Carlton- Discovery

Norman Brown- After The Storm

Gregg Karukas ...any album

Tim Bowman-"Sweet Sundays" (killer kut!)

Brian Simpson...any album

Joyce Cooling...any album

David Benoit- Freedom at Midnight

Brian Savage

GOTA - It's so different here

Kim Pensyl- Pensyl Sketches

Jeff Lorber

Freddie Ravel

Four80East

FATTBURGER- Good News "The Doctor"

Chuck Loeb

Paul Jackson Jr.

Peter White

Jeff Kashiwa -Hyde Park

NILS

ThreeStyle

Tom Grant -Mango Tango

Jonathan Butler

Alex Bugnon

Bobby Lyle - Tropical

Chieli Minucci

Dan Siegel

Dave Grusin

Michael Lington

U-Nam

And soo many others just ask...Enjoy! from MoonCrikit

And for a killer visual experience, try on YouTube...

Brian Culbertson feat Michael Lington Full Concert Jazz Burghausen 2004 

3.2K views7 months ago

Jazz Fusion Funk&Soul

 

@devinplombier -- You are very welcome my friend.  I hope you enjoy Bohren as much as I do.  Listen to their entire catalog, it is a wonderful treat.  Watch their multiple live YouTube videos -- I'd love to catch them live, their shows look surreal.  Like a "quiet version" of a Godspeed You! Black Emperor concert 😆!

 

I believe  "Shoegaze Jazz" is a perfect description of Bohren.  If you like Shoegaze rock, I'd suggest a new band from NYC called Gift.  The keyboardist went to High School with my youngest son.  They have released 2 very good albums.

 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mtQMJsQuuxSQnnUdfVmQJF9aK3QBL4Xz4&si=7LWTFQ_1PRTtIOoR

@tyray

Now Stevie Wonder, after his albums Talking Book, Music of My Mind and Innervisions to me he and his music were uncategorizable and completely Transcendental.

I think of S. Wonder generally as R&B infused with Jazz harmonies. But, as he’s not only unique but also a genius, he’s in his own category! I love those 70’s recordings, too.