Jazz recommendations for a beginner?

try the Bad Plus, jazz with rythem, very good

Ben, Firstly let me say that I addressed my comments to you because of earlier comments you made several years ago and which are referred to in this thread. You undoubtedly have a great depth of knowledge on this subject and I should think we would both agree on most things. However, where we part ways is your reaction to an inquiry of a newbie to jazz based on his inability to understand Davis' music and the fact that he likes Krall - you (and others more by implication) seem to want to dismiss him and assign him to the dust bins of elevator music. I would think those of us who heard and appreciated the music of Davis et al were well prepared to hear it thru past experience with the works of other jazz musicians. At best your post makes you sound elitist. Were I you, I would have (and actually did) post a list of good jazz practioners, whose recordings are easy to obtain, and enjoy, without an inate or acquired understanding of jazz. I wouldn't dismiss a classical newbie just because he couldn't comprehend Mahler. We who know should try to lead these folks by introducing them gently. I appoligize in advance for the sermon.

I have found that guests at my house who have little Jazz experience typically enjoy Stan Getz - any of his 3 Brazilian-style LPs. The most popular though is Getz/Gilberto. I generally see their foot tapping from the first track on (my silent indicator of the right choice).

Also, I agree with Newbee. As you explore any creative medium, particularly music, food, art, audio equipment. more, I believe you will become very comfortable with the less complex items first and soon migrate to more challenging material. It is a natural progression and that is the fun of it. The Audiogon crowd can certainly provide ideas to explore at each milestone in your journey.

Enjoy

if you like krall you may want to try sinatra "songs for swinging lovers". You may also want to try some of the songbook series from ella fitzgerald - maybe the cole porter songbook.