Jazz for someone who doesn't like jazz.


I've toyed with the idea of looking into jazz. Not sure why. Not sure what I'm looking for. Maybe just something to sound good on my system. I realize jazz is a broad category but much of what I hear I have not been attracted to. Don't ask me what I've heard.
What I'd like is a recommendation of two or three albums to start with. (I know that's insane)

And since I've given next to nothing to go on I'll point out a few things that I do like that might help narrow it down some maybe.

Jazz-like stuff I do like: Steely Dan. Almost all of their stuff. Van Morrison's jazz influenced stuff like Astral Weeks.
I like blues. Delta and hill country hard core blues.

I like a wide variety of rock from heavy metal, to prog rock to classic R&B.
Does any of that help? I know this is a crazy request but if I could get some recommendations I'll at least have somewhere to start. Not looking for specific recordings yet. Just content. When I find what I like I'll research the best recordings.
Thanks for any possible advice.
George




n80

Showing 5 responses by three_easy_payments

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

Best selling jazz album of all time mainly because it appealed (was accessible) to people who didn't necessarily like jazz.  
If you really hate jazz, listen to Kenny G.  Every real jazz musician and jazz fan hates Kenny G.
@tvad 

Kenny still made bank, though.

And to your point, Metheny went on to say:

Of course, I am aware of what he has played since, the success it has had, and the controversy that has surrounded him among musicians and serious listeners. This controversy seems to be largely fueled by the fact that he sells an enormous amount of records while not being anywhere near a really great player in relation to the standards that have been set on his instrument over the past sixty or seventy years.

And honestly, there is no small amount of envy involved from musicians who see one of their fellow players doing so well financially, especially when so many of them who are far superior as improvisors and musicians in general have trouble just making a living. there must be hundreds, if not thousands of sax players around the world who are simply better improvising musicians than kenny g on his chosen instruments. it would really surprise me if even he disagreed with that statement.


@oregonpapa   I thought Pat Metheny's assessment of Kenny G was classic:

He had major rhythmic problems and his harmonic and melodic vocabulary was extremely limited, mostly to pentatonic based and blues- lick derived patterns, and he basically exhibited only a rudimentary understanding of how to function as a professional soloist in an ensemble.

This talk of Joey got me thinking about genres of jazz that may be accessible and enjoyable to those who prefer something closer to a rock jam session with a dash of funkyness thrown in. Some of the organ trios could rock their butts off.  Very gritty and in a good way. Give a listen to some of the Jack McDuff material with George Benson from the early-mid 60s.  Or from 1969 I believe "Moon Rappin" with Richard Davis laying down some very funky bass.