Before there was a thing called Rock n Roll, there was jazz. At one time in America it was jazz that was the popular music of the younger generation. Who cares it got side tracked by a thing called bebop. The musicians desired, and deserved, to be respected.
You like what you like. But saying you don’t like jazz, is akin to stating you don’t understand jazz. You don’t have to be a jazz musician to understand jazz. That’s part of why you’re asking the question where should I start? Well, KOB is about as easy as it gets. But then again, there’s always Spira Gyra.
Recommendations for a jazz record which demonstrates vinyl superiority over digital
I have not bought a vinyl record since CDs came out, but have been exposed to numerous claims that vinyl is better. I suspect jazz may be best placed to deliver on these claims, so I am looking for your recommendations.
I must confess that I do not like trad jazz much. Also I was about to fork out A$145 for Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" but bought the CD for A$12 to see what the music was like. I have kept the change!
I love the jazz in the movie Babylon, which features local Oz girl Margo Robbie (the film, not the jazz).
So what should I buy?
Showing 5 responses by coltrane1
@richardbrand, being a fan of Classical you may relate to Wes Montgomery records from the 60’s. All of his stuff with producer Creed Taylor was done with string arrangements. Wes received criticism for abandoning his pure jazz roots, but these records were very popular with non jazz listeners and sold by the thousands. |
@lewm, not in the least. I know where jazz’ bread is buttered. But as bebop became dominant the majority of listeners were forever lost. I don’t mind, because bebop was a natural step for new jazz. Personally, bebop was a statement by certain musicians who felt disrespected. So they created a music that many couldn’t play. Still, the advancement of the music suffered among the masses. And then there came Elvis. But I’d be the last to suggest the 50’s and 60’s music was inferior to what had come before. In some regards it was even better to my ears |
@richardbrand, I didn’t mean it as an insult. We’re a similar age, that simply walked different paths. I enjoy Classical too. But my collection is mainly jazz and popular music from the 60’s, 70’s. Each of us had different influences. Wes Montgomery was one of mine. So was Freddie Hubbard and early George Benson. I play Trumpet, piano, and guitar. My father was hugely into jazz. So yeah, it rubbed off. |
Jazz doesn’t, and shouldn’t appeal to everyone. It’s like a very rare and fine wine, which only a few appreciate. Music theory isn’t necessary to appreciate jazz, nor is it complicated. Jazz uses the same 12 notes used in Classical music. So how is it musicians created a music, that on the surface appears, complex? But is it complex, or simply your ears aren’t tuned how to listen? That’s why I said, many don’t understand jazz, which has no bearing on whether they like it. Compared to jazz greats, I’m a very mediocre jazz musician. But still, it’s been a journey I’d not trade for anything. |