^^^ A good friend of mine is an ex-professional guitarist and studio musician. He traveled all around the world playing guitar with Andy Williams. He’s on all of the Righteous Brothers albums. He can play virtually anything, including jazz. A totally amazing player. I asked him one time what his favorite music was, and he answered "classical and opera." I told him that I couldn’t stand opera and that it just sounded like a fat lady screaming in the shower. He told me to put a cassette tape in my car of a Puccini opera and just listen to it over and over. He said that learning to appreciate opera is a lot like learning to appreciate jazz, which I was totally immersed in at the time. He told me that eventually, everything would click in, and I would "get it." Well, I selected Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Needless to say, things did click in ...and now, I have plenty of operas in my collection. Some of the arias are so beautiful, that even while not understanding the language, they make tears come to my eyes. I would love to see a live performance at La Scala one day ... maybe in the next life. I’m too old to travel now. Being Italian, I do make a mean sauce though. :-) Are you familiar with the German soprano named Rita Streich? If not, you may want to add her to your collection. She was one of the very best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Gg-2XWQn0 Frank |
I haven't red any responses, but Steely Dan frequently referenced Duke Ellington. His own big band recordings are well respected as well as "Digital Duke". Quincy Jones big band arrangements, too, GRP All Stars did some great digital recordings of original arrangements like Glen Miller. The oldest jazz is Dixieland. I can't suggest any particular beside Louis Armstrong. Nat Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Mel Torme. You get into "modern Jazz" starting around 1950 with smaller groups. Bird, Coltrane, Miles Davis. Then you can try Jazz Rock fusion like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report. Or more pop jazz like Spyro Gyra, Larry Carlton. You're right there are a lot of variations to what folks call Jazz |
I had not thought about Mel Torme. I’ll have to dig a little.
Frank, I had not heard of that soprano (nor many others) but I will look her up as well.
I got into Italian cooking years ago after watching Molto Mario, one of the best cooking shows ever. He apprenticed in Emilia-Romagna. Not exactly the tourist heart of Italy but certainly the center of Italian cooking. Great people there too. So friendly. I’m not of Italian decent.....but I’m Italian at heart!
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^^^ Yes, I used to watch Malto Mario all the time. I got an excellent recipe off of him for a spaghetti sauce using anchovies that is to die for. Just olive oil, anchovies, garlic, toasted Italian bread crumbs. Then, he showed how to make a great egg dish for breakfast with the leftovers. Simply delicious. He said it is a recipe to serve to people who hate anchovies. Ha, they will never know that they are in the dish. On Mel Torme ... One of the all-time great song stylists. Here's a fine CD to get if you don't already have it. Excellent vocals and sound quality:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSXJJOJCvk
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pryso Torme’s rendition of Just in Time is the best I’ve ever heard. Great recommendation! |
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put on Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” and let Tommy Bolin eat your brain ! |
Sounds like you would like progressive jazz more than traditional jazz.
Surprised that no one has mentioned Pat Metheny Group.
Many have mentioned Weather Report.
Also Carla Bley - especially the earlier albums with large groups. |
Yeah, Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (Master Sound gold disc if you can find it)
John Coltrain - Blue Train (Mobile Fidelity version if you’re inclined, ~$40 on EBay)
and check out Oscar Peterson, Exclusively for My Friends series and/or Night Train. , All sound awesome Esp. on a med-hi res system |
Wow! Lot's good, and not so good (IMHO) suggestions here. As someone said, Jazz is a very broad genre. It has evolved over many years and has taken on many different forms. Understanding the history of Jazz and its artists over the years will make your listening that much more enjoyable. Listening to Jazz takes an investment in time to understand what the various musicians over the years were influenced by and why some Jazz appeals to a broader audience while some Jazz may be unlistenable unless 1) you are a musician or 2) you've made the investment in time. Strongly suggest watching Ken Burns 8 part documentary on Jazz which is available on Netflix or Amazon.
As many have suggested, Kind of Blue is a good place to start. But there are so many different forms like BeBop, Cool Jazz, Jazz fusion, classical standards, etc. One thing I'ver found is that the more i listen to so called "easy listening Jazz", the more i find myself turning to discordant or improvisational Jazz to get that "edge".
J.Chip
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n80...The first “Jazz” album that I purchased on my own was “Swiss Movement” by
Les McCann and Eddie Harris. I didn’t consider it progressive, bebop, or even, at the time of purchase, Jazz. It was musical and listenable, and made me happy! The second
album I purchased was Ramsey Lewis’ “Maiden Voyage (and more)”. This time I understood a little more of what I was hearing, but, again, it made me happy. The two albums are for the most part instrumental, if you’re into that.
If you’re interested in something slower, Grover Washington Jr.’s “Winelight” and
Freddie Hubbard’s “First Light” are soft and soothing. Hope this helps. |
Baby steps brother start with a Lyle Lovett and his large band. There’s blues country and Jazz. Don’t get overwhelmed out of the gate. Great recording and great music. Don’t rush Coltrane and Davis. It will come later. Trust me. |
Few suggestions:
1.) Ahmad Jamal trio at the Pershing - But Not for Me
2.) Benny Carter - Cooking at Carlos 1
3.) Bobo Stenson - Goodbye
4.) Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis |
Like many here I got introduced to Jazz with Miles Davis' Kind of Blue.
Start with that and then go from there!
HTH |
My Amazon Music account is now starting to give me jazz recommendations and I happened on Grant Green's Idle Moments. I'm enjoying it.
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Hello n80,
You're definitely off to a great start with a lot of very good suggestions. Another thought that might play well into your on going discovery would be a subscription to a streaming music service, like Tidal. Tidal is currently offering "new" customers four months of any Tidal plan for just $4. Premium or Hi-Fi. So, instead of dipping your toes, for four months you can dive right into an incredible selection of whatever suits your fancy, including all those many suggestions, at the click of a mouse. I'm currently streaming "Good Hope" by Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain, Chris Potter. This is an album I would have likely never known about, had it not been for a test drive and subsequent subscription to Tidal. It's incredible. The discovery can be truly endless. Enjoy ... whatever you chose to listen to.
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Thanks. As mentioned I do have Amazon Music Unlimited. So far I have been able to find all of the music recommended here so I think Amazon's selection is okay.
Amazon has a hi-res option but I do not get that since my streaming gear is not good enough to notice a benefit. I usually use Amazon to find what I like and then buy CDs (or albums rarely). One day I might upgrade my streaming gear and subscribe to a hi-res service. |
I was also a Rock guy. A friend turn me into some Jazz music. That was 15 years ago. A new world of music opened up.
A some of my favorites players:
For Saxophone and trumpet, Kenny Garrett, Bobbie Shew, David Sanborn,Joe Lovano,Brian Lynch,Roy Hargrove, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollings, Freddy Hubbard, Clifford Brown, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and of course Miles.
For Guitar , Pat Metheny, Jonny Lang, Robben Ford, Johnny Winter (blues), Jeff Beck , Bill Frisell, Buddy Guy, Albert King, J. Lee Hooker,
For Bass, Brian Bromberg, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter, Eddie Gomez, Jaco Pastorius,
Enjoy. Andres. |
Another all time classic is Sarah Vaughan and Clifford Brown.
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Jazz covers a genre over the entire 20th century. What you really need is a course in the appreciation of the evolution and the important artists through the years. Someone recommended the PBS series "Jazz" a 10 part anthology of jazz by Ken Burns. I couldn't agree more. This is the place to start IMO. Many excellent recommendations but an appreciation of the genre will reward you with how American culture during the 20th century was reflected in this uniquely American contribution to music. |
Also the Smithsonian Collection of Jazz is a great introduction as well.
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@tubegroover I’ve watched the first five episodes of Jazz and I’m enjoying them.
@andresb I’m familiar with Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hooker. I consider them blues guys but I suppose there is some overlap.
Been listening to Metheny but I get a "new age" vibe from some of his stuff that I’m not into.
Will look into some of the guitar and bass guys you recommended.
@klimt I’ll listen to that Sarah Vaughn album. I’m not much into female vocals but I bet my wife will like it.
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Okay, now I’ll make a recommendation for folks new to jazz who are into rock and blues:
Robben Ford’s The Sun Room with Bill Evans (sax player, not the other one), Keith Carlock and James Genus. Maybe more blues that jazz. I don’t know. Guitar heavy. I like it a lot. Seems well produced as well.
I know Keith Carlock for his work on Steely Dan’s Two Against Nature which is brilliant and one of the best produced albums I’ve ever heard. He is also an instructor on Drumeo which is an online drum instruction site. I’ve watched several of his classes.
Apologies (and thanks) if someone else already recommended this album.
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@andresb is the one who mentioned Robben Ford. Thanks andres.
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You are welcome. You are correct in saying that
Albert King, Buddy Guy and Hooker are blues guys. I always enjoyed the blues. For me blues and jazz have a strong connection. Rock also has a blues connection.
Robben Ford can play blues, fusion, jazz. Very talented. Like Jeff Beck who can play anything. Saw him about a year a ago and was blown away. What a guitar player.
As for Jazz Vocals. Check out Tony Bennett duets, Simply Red, Gregory Porter, Randy Crawford, Van Morrison, Dianna Krall, Etta James, Sarah Vaughn and of course Billie Holiday, Ella.
Enjoy. |
Not Jazz, but Robben Ford and the Blue Line - S/T is a GREAT album. Play it loud! |
@andresb, @reubent , I have listened to some of Ford's more blues based albums. Great stuff.
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Here's some artists/recordings that you might find will produce the balance between pure jazz and jazz/blues that is not too improvisational. Don't forget the very important role female artists played in both jazz and blues right from the very beginning and many of their recordings are a perfect blend of jazz and blues known as "torch music" and are highly listenable such as older artists like Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Alberta Hunter, Shirley Horn and newer artists like Sade, especially her "Love Deluxe" album which to my mind is the perfect blend of cool, melodic jazz with a nice emphasis on the sax. As far as male artists, maybe give a listen to Dr. John, Louis Armstrong, John Mayall's "Turning Point" album featuring John Mark and Johnny Almond, Boz Scaggs, Stan Getz with Gato Barbieri for an intro to South American jazz, and finally and surprisingly, the band Traffic on their classic album Low Spark Of High Heeled boys. All of these artists produced very listenable, accessible jazz with a touch of blues. Hope these can help you and don't forget the females.
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@dwiphefl1128, thanks for the recommendations. For some reason I am not drawn to female vocals in any of the music I listen to. I am not sure why. I do have a few favorites but not many. Anyway, as I've mentioned several times in this thread, my wife likes more of the jazz that I am listening to than most of the other stuff I listen to (with the exception of classic R&B which she likes). But, she does like most of the female vocalists you mentioned and it is actually nice when she likes to listen to music along with me so I will be motivated to give them a chance.
I have had that Traffic album for a while. Mostly for the title track but I'll have to give the whole album a re-listen.
George
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Enjoying Branford Marsalis' Eternal album. I like that it is laid back but does not, to my untrained ear, seem like "smooth" jazz. The tempo is slow but it is contemplative rather than simply soothing. A little melancholy but so far that seems to be something I like in a jazz album. I really like the drum and bass playing. It seems well recorded.
I purchased a used CD of the album on eBay. About $7. My first jazz CD purchase for me. (I'd purchased a number of jazz CDs for my wife years ago.)
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I 2nd many of the suggestions. Let me also add:
grant green
gabor szabo
pat metheny
also,
herbie hancock
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Just purchased the Robben Ford, Bill Evans, Keith Carlock The Sun Room CD. Would be interested to see what the hard core jazz folks think about this album as apparently Ford is better known as a blues guitarist. I don't know anything about Evans but Carlock has done plenty of jazz work.
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The Bad Plus
Acoustic Alchemy- some may call it new age
Al Dimeola
Mathew Whitaker
Brian Ferry has a great NewOrleans style jazz record but more updated and modern I also enjoy
these are some new jazz and crossover without getting into Miles, Sunny Rollins and more traditional Jazz
you have been given a lot of what I would consider more traditional jazz in this thread, what I’m encouraging above are more crossover artists |
If I may also suggest (in general) is to listen to crossover artists from say rock/pop to pop/jazz. This will give you a bit of a taste of jazz without leaving the familiar. A good group for this (of which I didnt see a mention of) is Blood, Sweat and Tears. BS&T was comprised of many well known artists that have made significant contributions to the recording/music industry. |
@ronlykins, I'm enjoying Matthew Whitaker's Otta the Box.
@jcipale I have not thought about BS&T in a long time. Will have to go back and give them a listen just for the fun of it.
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I have introduced friends, who are not jazz listeners, to the Dave Weckl and Jay Oliver Convergence cd. They all really liked it. Give it a try. It's not an audiophile recording, but sounds pretty good especially in my car. Available on Amazon now. The original package was better from the Dave Weckl site, but it's not available any more last time I checked. |
Just dug out some old music. Check out Carlos Santana album, The Swing of Delight. Santana team up with great musicians. Herbie Hancock, Wayne shorter, Ron Carter.
Done a some years back. Great music. You be surprised how good it is. |
Also try Arnett Cobb, Tubby Hayes,. Also for Vocals Big Miller with the Tommy Banks Orchestra.
For Jazz vocals. Halie Loren,hails from Alaska,she is terific,an incredible voice |
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Halie Loren!
Wow! Thanks for posting!
Amazing! |
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@oregonpapa I have to say I have a hard time hearing anyone other than Sam Cooke doing that song. I think Cooke had one of the best voices ever and I think that song is one of his best.
A completely different thought- where in the world of jazz music do the Squirrel Nut Zippers fall? Was it swing? Was it ragtime? Was it jazz? Were they just a novelty act?
I don't know the answers to any of those questions but I bought the CD when it came out. It was fun and my kids liked it. I still listen from time to time. I don't know how it was accepted by the jazz community but it is clear to me that whatever they were they were a talented group of musicians.
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n80 ... Well, I have to admit, I had never heard of the Squirrel Nut Zippers before you brought them up. I did, however, check them out on Spotify. I listened to everything that they offered on the site. If I had to categorize their style of "jazz," I’d put them somewhere in the Traditional Jazz camp, ala Louis Armstrong and his "Hot Five", with some Django Reinhart thrown in, spiced up for a little humor with the old Spike Jones band. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I got this CD in the mail today: A 1959 stereo recording of Mel Torme’ and the Meltones, "Back in Town." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaOpcJEfkQc&list=RDVaOpcJEfkQc&start_radio=1&t=32 The recording features Jack Sheldon - trumpet. Art Pepper - alto. Victor Feldman - vibes. Tommy Tedesco, Tony Rizzi, Barney Kessel - guitars. Joe Mondragon - bass. Mel Lewis - drums. The CD sounds way better than the YouTube video. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And as long as we’re on the subject of jazz "For Someone Who Doesn’t Like Jazz," how about we check out some "jazz" done with the feet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IBteauWsHA And then later in their career with the Cab Calloway band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8 And finally, there is this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzc7vY9VTnk
Okay, is there anyone left around here who still doesn't like jazz? :-) Frank |
The way I've always expanded my interests in music, whether jazz or otherwise, is to first listen at the gut level to what moves me without getting caught up in other people's suggestions...then grow out from that center by finding out more about the artists and their influences and contemporaries, who they recorded with, who they mention in liner notes, etc. I started with Billie Holiday 35 years ago and am still finding new artists this way. With all the tools we have these days to sample music – Amazon, YouTube, Spotify, etc. – there is no end to what you can find. I'd also strongly suggest to get out and see as much live performance as you can once we have closed this COVID chapter...so much of jazz is about interplay, and you can't always grasp that in a recording...but you can sure feel it live. Enjoy! |
@mdemaio Thank you for your response. And sure, seeing what comes naturally and what hooks you is great. As you say....."there is no end to what you can find" but that very reason can make it a challenge to dive into any genre unguided. The signal to noise ratio is low. One could spend hours and hours listening to garbage and then wrongly assume "jazz is not for me".
And even though I've only been a member here for a year or so, I've come to trust the good judgement and good taste of some of these folks. That helps narrow the field and increases chances of "success" in my opinion.
Even in the case of rock and R&B which I know pretty well I have gotten recommendations here on great music that I now love that I might never have come across otherwise.
In any case, you are correct, the interconnectedness of jazz makes it an interesting and twisting path and I'm still enjoying that. The Ken Burns series is helpful on that account as well.
So far I have to admit that I'm still a little luke warm on jazz. I do recognize in it enough to keep me listening though. The hook may come later. It might not. But, learning about it will not have been a waste of time even if it doesn't hook me in.
I do plan on seeing some live jazz as soon as possible.
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John Scofield's "Überjam" and "Überjam Deaux" |
Seriously, give Danny Gatton a listen. He is a virtuoso guitarist (Vince Gill nicknamed him The Humbler) who mixes Jazz, Rockabilly, Hillbilly (he’s a master at the Merle Travis style), and Blues styles. There are some YouTube videos in which Danny shows guitarists how he does it. Incredible technique, but more than just that. A very cool musician's musician. |
