Jazz for someone who doesn't like jazz.
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Since you like Van's "Astral Weeks", you might check out Tim Buckley and John Martyn-- these aren't Jazz artists-- they're "jazzy" singer-songwriters. . . A couple tastes: Tim Buckley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWbRWJOocbY&list=OLAK5uy_n099pgRyT1w-ncO224f_6UDrkefyBeGps&i... John Martyn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkettVnbjcQ&list=OLAK5uy_k7fEQs-p51Ri-iOm2c2mXBG5PUMQ9F60A |
Great-- you're making progress, getting clearer! Jazz is a huge genre-- like an ocean, with so much to explore. It may take some time to discover what really turns you on... I've found the journey well worth it. Check this out this version of Flamenco Sketches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG67qTPYfMw&list=OLAK5uy_n8lL4wMUxDhzrUjKU7D4LLlpX-gLO2bec&i... If you like it, here's a link to the full album: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=joe+henderson+so+near+so+far+full+album You can always PM me if you'd like more suggestions... |
stuartk, I am branching out with the artists you mentioned. I think I'm drawn now to the late bop and early modal stuff. As for your question, I'm not sure. I think it will take some more thought since I like all of the songs. Probably not sophisticated enough to appreciate the breadth of the stylistic range you refer to yet. But, I think I'd rank Freddie Freeloader last and Flamenco Sketches and So What at the top. Probably less drawn to the brash side of things (in jazz). More drawn to the ethereal and introspective side but not sure if that excludes the bluesy stuff because I like slow blues which I find can be introspective and even mellow. I really like Blue in Green. However, if I tried to do the same thing with a Zeppelin album, for instance, it still might be difficult even though I'm very tuned into the nuances there and appreciate the stylistic variations within many of their albums since I like a quiet acoustic folk song like Bron-Yr-Aur and a rocking blues epic like In My Time of Dying all on the same album. But, its good to think about it and to learn to appreciate the differences so I'll continue to think about it. |
If Kind of Blue "makes sense " to you, now, perhaps you might explore other late 50's recordings by Cannonball, Coltrane, Miles and B. Evans. Just bear in mind that Kind of Blue is an unusual album-- not only because it emerged at a point when improvisation based upon show tunes and chord-changes was about to shift over to a greater focus upon more open-ended structures and scalar improvisation but also because of its incredibly broad and enduring appeal. It's fairly unique as an art-work. In order to make suggestions, it would be helpful to know what aspects of K. of B. you most enjoy... after all, there's quite a stylistic distance from, say, "Freddie Freeloader" to "Flamenco Sketches". Are you drawn more to the more brash, earthy, Bluesy side of the spectrum or the more introspective, mellow, ethereal, side? ? ? |
Follow up from the OP (me). It has been nearly a year since my last post in this thread. During the following months I had pretty much given up on jazz. Just wasn't going back to it much other than Branford Marsalis' album "Eternal" on Sunday mornings from time to time. I still don't listen to a lot of jazz and when I do it is not a wide variety. But in the last few months I do find myself going back to Kind of Blue, A Love Supreme (still challenging) and Art Blakey's Moanin'. Kind of Blue makes sense to me now and I'm listening to it fairly often. One of the reasons that I'm still hanging on could be that I'm learning to play drums (slowly, painfully) and jazz drumming interests me. It is way beyond me and I don't see me becoming proficient but it is intriguing and I'll probably continue to study it. (I can play through Blakey's Moanin' but it is very simple). Anyway, just thought I'd provide the update. Can't say I'm hooked on jazz but it hasn't let me go yet either. |
As an example, Melos (the track, also the album name) by Vassilis Tsabropoulos - a Greek Pianist, Anja Lechner - a German cellist, and U.T. Gandhi - an Italian percussionist just spun up via Roon Radio. It's a Decca / ECM label. It's also one of two of Vassilis' albums I have in my library. The other being Achirana, with John Marshall (British) on drums and Arild Andersen (Norwegian) on double bass. Both are gorgeous works, for me. |
@acman3 I'm not sure I can help out as it's a head scratcher for me. I figured that perhaps the focus (primarily) on American musicians was in service of and/or in preferred service of the OP's request and stated needs as well as for historic / origin purposes. In general, I find the Continental Jazz scene under-represented in our forum, which may be another reason; i.e. simply a lack of interest (?). |
@acman3 Thank you! Since you are active on the 'Jazz for Aficionados' Thread, perhaps you (or others that have posted here) can answer the following: One aspect that really stood out as 'Missing' in the recommendations and posts in this thread was North European / Scandinavian Jazz (~~~ the ECM artists...). Thoughts on the reasons? Thank you. |
Thanks again guys. I'm still following the various suggestions being given in this thread. @david_ten , listening to Mike Stern right now. As far as an update, well, I've been listening to all the various suggestions I've gotten in this thread and I've watched the entire Ken Burns Jazz documentary which I really enjoyed. I have been exploring jazz for about 2 months now. I definitely have a better understanding of jazz and its various forms. I have a better understanding of its history. I have a much better appreciation for the whole genre and what its all about. I have enjoyed a lot of what I've listened to. However, I'm almost embarrassed to say that I'm not hooked yet. I say 'yet' because I'm not done trying and maybe it will come. As I've said before, some of my favorite songs/albums across various music types are ones that it took a long time to appreciate. So I'm not giving up. I had a strange experience with Coltrane's Love Supreme. In the Burns documentary one of the Marsalis brothers, I think it was Branford, talked about how hearing that album for the first time was a transformative, life changing experience. He was practically addicted to the album. So I immediately listened to it. I didn't get it. I didn't hate it, but it certainly didn't draw me in.......but, after it was over, I got a feeling that I understood what he was trying to say, vaguely at best, but still, there was something there. I listened to it again and that feeling did not grow. Not something I could put my finger on but also not 'nothing'. I've listened to it a couple of more times and I still haven't developed a greater appreciation for it. But, I'm going to continue to give it a listen every now and then. Maybe something will click. |
@n80 George, I just read through this entire thread. A really interesting and good read. I don't believe this has been mentioned directly (my apologies if I missed that)... My advice would be to choose the musical instrument you most love (which may be guitar [???] based on the Blues selections you mention).... and look for solo or significant leads (group leader / compositions) with that corresponding instrument within the Jazz Genre. In other words, follow the instrument that has already hooked you. - David. |
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. |
@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. |
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! |
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 |
@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. |
Here’s something a little different. This is a group that my friend Robert and I have heard live many times. A shout-out to Phil Salazar and The Kin Folks. (Phil is on the fiddle.) These guys kick Boo-Tay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6xZi8nByCQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVU96iE-DQg Frank |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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.) |
@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 |
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. |
