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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
clhs04
62 posts
 
put on Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” and let Tommy Bolin eat your brain !
jrosemd
150 posts
 
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.  
sj00884's avatar
sj00884
80 posts
 
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
jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
116 posts
 
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



sabrn65's avatar
sabrn65
7 posts
 
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.
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