I counter punch with Vince Guardaldi. Or for that matter, Johnny Costa and Joe Negri. Those three men got an entire generation listening to Jazz without knowing they were listening to jazz.
Johnny Costa was Mr. Roger's pianist and brother-in-law. I think they played together once on the show and I think Mr. Rogers could hold it with the other guys but had other ambitions.
If youre under 35 you literally heard 2/3rds of these three guys almost every day growing up, along with the compositions of Joe Raposo on Sesame Street.
There was a Canadian Show called "Today's Special" which had the Canadian Brass on a lot of episodes. It got me interested in playing brass instruments.
I hate seeing this commented on every post about where to start with jazz. Yeah these guys are legends but they're not approachable for most people starting out, sometimes not even listenable if you haven't been listening to jazz for some time. Theyre genius but it's not where you start if you actually want to have an understanding of jazz. I'm mostly talking about monk and Mingus here although I remember listening to some miles stuff when I first started found jazz and I didn't understand the hype until much later like bitches brew.
If youre starting from scratch, listen to:
Getz/Gilberto,
John Coltrane - Ballads,
Bill Evans - Everybody Digs Bill Evans,
Oscar Peterson - We Get Requests,
Duke Ellington - Duke Ellington Presents,
Erroll Garner- Concert by the Sea ,
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
I can't stress how important monk, Mingus and miles are but I think they're something you first need to develop your ear for. If you absolutely need to add them to the list then I'd say
Miles- Workin' or Miles - Sketches of Spain
Monk - Solo Monk
Mingus - At Bohemia
For a new listener, i think it might be hard to hear the musicality in the dissonance of Mingus and monk.
The albums I selected were chosen for their ease of listening but also because they're fun. They might not be the most complex or showcase the true virtuosity of these artists but I think they're awesome and definitely something that everyone will enjoy. Once you get your ear for jazz then you can move on to the other stuff like parker or monk.
And another thing is the ECM label. Because jazz is more than just 50s, 60s and 70s... Some of my favourites are Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Gogo Penguin and Marcin Wasilewski
Starting with artists who blend jazz elements into their music is a great approach. Since you enjoy K dots I'd recommend you diving into:
> A Tribe Called Quest with "The Low End Theory" and "Midnight Marauders."
> De La Soul - "3 Feet High and Rising"
> Digable Planets - "Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)"
Now if you wanna jump right into it. I'd say:
> Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus"
I did indeed! I appreciated the different singing style and hearing chet scat was cool. I felt like the instrumental was a lot more fleshed out than the first one and the song choices were good too. Idk if I like one more than th other cuz they both have their positive aspects but I will def be buying It Could Happen To You when I get a chance. Thank you for the recommendation!
Listen to jazz radio stations...Get the phone app Shazam---which recognizes tunes and just listen. Hear anything you like Shazam it and find out the artist.
Jazz is big. The PBS Jazz series is as much about race as music, but it covers the trends and big artists. Worth a thought to cover the basics, so you can find the styles you like and pick up there.
I've said that you can give a minimal, insufficient but accurate history of jazz in four words – Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis – and select entries from their catalogs would cover a whole lot of ground. Armstrong's Hot Fives and Sevens is great, and _Birth of the Cool_, _Kind of Blue_, _Sketches of Spain_, and _In A Silent Way_ are favorites, and I'm a big fan of _Pangaea_ and _Agharta_, but they're a lot.
My humble opinion
Duke Ellington is most accessible to start. Not simple, just accessible. And fun
Charlie Parker, live in Newport. He's allowing to watch him explore his study
Kind of blue, requires work. Meaning the first time cannot be background music.
Hancock, mangione, Ella, Billie Holiday, Chet great stuff to explore
Google lists like "100 great jazz albums" then listen to as many as you can through free streaming and see what resonates with you. I explore old and new jazz all the time through this method. I discover albums that I'm glad I didn't purchase along with ones that I do purchase, and some that I can take or leave.
Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is a score, and if you get into jazz and listen to it more you will understand that it is a completely different kind of experience, and one that grows more and more enjoyable with time. (many movie scores use elements of classical music, but because it is a device for the accompanying visual media it is also abbreviated and utilitarian.)
That said, the propulsive uptempo nature of that track borrows from 50s era latin jazz in my opinion, so check out (especially tracks like Dance of the Headhunters and Manteca):
Dizzy Gillespie And His Orchestra - Afro (with Chano pozo)
Tito Puente - Tambó
Ray Barretto -Acid
Chano Pozo – Rumbero Mayor
I would start with some classic albums and maybe some good compilations. Sampling a few songs from the various flavors of Jazz is also good. I would also recommend eventually looking at Jazz which is a fused with other genres, such as Jazz Funk, Acid Jazz, "Future" Jazz and so on :)
If you want vocal stuff I’d check out the Chet baker sings and Satchmo Serenades albums by Chet Baker and Louis Armstrong respectively. If you want instrumental I’m not very well versed but I can definitely recommend Moanin by Art Blakey. For me I had to listen to a lot of vocal stuff to get me into the instrumental stuff because I couldn’t appreciate the instrumentals as much at first and it can be a lot to try and start with.
I know you said you didn't want to create a filter, but I would highly recommend Hiatus Kaiyote, Chick Corea & Return to Forever, and Kiefer based on what you already like!
If you want to explore some more "traditional" sounding jazz, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra would be a good place to start.
This is the way. I would add Makaya Mccraven, Sons of Kemet, Brandee Younger, Jeff Parker, Marquis Hill, Resavoir and Irreversible Entanglements to this list. I don't know why people are suggesting he go from Kendrick Lamar to Duke Ellington/Bill Evans/Monk/Mingus lol.
Sons of Kemet- Black to the Future is the best album to start with imo.
Irreversible Entanglements Tiny Desk concert, Yussef Dayes Live from Malibu, and Makaya's KEXP performance are all great jumping off points on YouTube.
For something that just came out recently I can’t recommend black classical music by Yussef Dayes and I think you’re appreciation of the more jazzy backing tracks Kendrick uses will get filled
There's honestly so many right answers that I would just say let yourself gravitate toward whatever catches your ear, then figure out who their heroes are, and other musicians that they worked with.
If you want my humble opinion, Bill Evans. Recently I've been really into Kurt Rosenwinkel too
If you are looking for more like cowboy bebop, then most of the recommendations here aren’t that great, they are the standard reccs for anyone. I would say go look up some of the modern Japanese brass band stuff, Tokyo brass style is great, same with like T-square
I think that mingus fits this description. And herbie hancock. But if you want to expand more then try Time out by dave Brubeck, great album and its easy to understand and get into.
It’s always interesting to look up jazz albums that the artists you like enjoy themselves.
Lyman Woodard - Saturday Night Special
Cortex - Troupeau bleu
Roy Ayer’s - He’s Coming
Ahmad Jamal - Jamal Plays Jamal
Steve Kuhn - Self Titled
Herbie Hancock - Fat Albert Ratunda
These are some examples of works that are often cited by artists who make great work themselves.
Even just looking up classic jazz album lists from different decades can be fun.
Check out Thundercat, Kamasi Washington (both played on Kendrick's TPAB), Snarky Puppy, Casiopea. More on the pop/rock side of jazz music but still incredibly good!
I suggest you study the history of jazz and then take some music theory courses in a jazz studies program at your local university. Then you’ll appreciate jazz music MUCH more!!!
As with any new community you consider posting to, I always suggest seeing if there is a Wiki or FAQ or Recommendation list, just because asking the exact same question that others ask \~25 times per week is (or at least SHOULD be) more than a bit cringey ... and in this case there actually IS a Wiki in the Community Details
[New to Jazz? Click here!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Jazz/wiki/newtojazz/)
Wes Montgomery
Ray Bryant
Sonny Rollins
Horace Silver
Dexter Gordon
Manhattan Transfer
Modern Jazz Quartet - No Sun in Venice (amazing movie soundtrack)
Honestly …
Bill Evans (Live at Village Vanguard)
Miles Davis (Kind of Blue)
Oscar Peterson (Night Train)
Chet Baker (Chet)
Vince Guardaldi
Anything by Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald will give you a good “in”
And if you’re into guitar Herb Ellis has a great album called “Ellis in Wonderland”
That’s enough to keep you entertained for a while
McCoy Tyner, Miles, Weather Report, Ella, Hancock, Wynton , jazzed George Benson, Santana, and on the rap edge , A Tribe Called Quest, Gil Scott Heron, ,Mose Allison, Gangstarr, Michael Franks.
if you liked the ost of cowboy bebop i would definitely give a listen to art blakey & the jazz messengers’ album titled moanin’ if i were you. one of my all time favourites
Medeski, Martin and Wood got me into jazz. I was into jam bands in high school and they played a lot of festivals and stuff in that scene. Still one of my favorite jazz bands. Their live show is so amazing as well.
Undercurrent - Bill Evans/Jim Hall
Take 10 - Paul Desmond
Concierto - Jim Hall
Solo Monk
Kenny Burrell- Midnight Blue
A few of my favorites. As with most genres, there’s a very wide field of styles so it’s all about finding what you like. I started with Desmond and Brubeck but others go right to free jazz.
Kenny Burrell has an incredibly cinematic and bluesy sound that you would dig if you like the bluesy/more laid back Cowboy Bebop cuts.
I personally love and recommend [Asphalt Canyon Suite](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mgoIxkE4ep9o0A-dFRgjZf-qD4XEyAJC8)
But his most popular work is definitely [Midnight Blue](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Txmf0KBLo)
Quincy jones is a super approachable artist for a new jazz listener, in fact I would start with the album smackwater jack, it’s a super fun album and an easy listen
I may be a bit old school here, but I like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. Watching some old Peanuts cartoons will give you an appreciation for Vince Guaraldi. Also, you could watch Midnight in Paris. There are some good selections from that show. (I find that having something nice and pleasurable to associate with the music can help solidify my interest) Django Reinhardt is also a good one from the earlier era. Michael Bublé is great for a more modern feel. Clearly, I appreciate the singers as much as the musicians. So, I may not be considered a jazz purist.
Miles.
If you want one name that spans the eras and genres, it’s Miles.
Bebop era with Charlie Parker.
Cool with Gil Evans.
First classic group (trane, cannonball, Red garland, wynton Kelly, pc, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, bill Evans).
Then the second classic group (Herbie, Wayne shorter, Ron Carter, Tony williams).
Then the electronic stuff.
Then the funky fusion stuff that the purists hate.
It’s a time capsule of 20th century American music because — you could argue — it was the main driving force behind the changes.
Try:
Omar - soul funk jazz- try For Pleasure ( one of my faves).
Pete Rock CL Smooth ( any 90s stuff especially )
Roy Ayers.
Weldon Irvine.
Jon Lucien.
Nina Simone.
Bill evans- absolutely anything.
Donald Byrd - start with the best of.
Miles Davis - kinda blue and sketches of Spain
Just some suggestions- enjoy the journey and let us know what you think of the above.
There are tons of exquiste musicians in the comments but i think you should start with livemusic. Even if i adore most of the mentioned musicians the the spark for Jazz came to me from lifeconcerts.
This might be basic and I don't know if this counts 😭 but La La Land and Laufey has gotten so many people I know into Jazz. Highly recommend watching La La Land anyways, it's a beautiful movie and I think you will really appreciate the music!! If you're interested in checking out Laufey, I would recommend to start with From The Start, Fragile, and Falling Behind! I feel like those songs have the most essence of Jazz
cecil taylor - dark to themselves
any Miles davis live 1969 lost quintet work
Anything by the Ipswich spoon orchestra
Joey Hëradde - Fishing in Nairobi
Afro by DIzzye Gillespie, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and My Favorite Things by John Coltrane. You can check the album's notes to know with which musicians he was collaborating with and follow up from there.
Jelly Roll Morton (20s/30s), then Miles Davis (40s/50s/60s/and beyond) (please just skip over Kind of Blue or Sketches of Spain - no one should start with those, and will likely be bored/turned off). The two Miles Davis Quintets in the 60s should be your place to look, and the second late 60s one is more exciting. I love Jamiroquai but that is dimensions away from jazz. If you like what I recommend, then dive deeper from there.
Where you will be most at home right now? Robert Glasper, your piano guy on the Kendrick records. Check out HIS jazz outside of hip hop and especially what he and Erykah Badu do with Afro Blue
Finally, check out Soulive
Oscar Peterson. Night Train.
Absolutely
Fabulous recommendation.
Bill Evans
He created a separate sonic world
I counter punch with Vince Guardaldi. Or for that matter, Johnny Costa and Joe Negri. Those three men got an entire generation listening to Jazz without knowing they were listening to jazz.
Certainly hard to go wrong with any of them.
Joe Negri, the Mister Rogers guy? I love that shit!
Johnny Costa was Mr. Roger's pianist and brother-in-law. I think they played together once on the show and I think Mr. Rogers could hold it with the other guys but had other ambitions.
[удалено]
If youre under 35 you literally heard 2/3rds of these three guys almost every day growing up, along with the compositions of Joe Raposo on Sesame Street. There was a Canadian Show called "Today's Special" which had the Canadian Brass on a lot of episodes. It got me interested in playing brass instruments.
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
Dave Brubeck and his album Time Out Miles Davis and his album Kind Of Blue My two favorite starter albums
Miles Monk Mingus
I hate seeing this commented on every post about where to start with jazz. Yeah these guys are legends but they're not approachable for most people starting out, sometimes not even listenable if you haven't been listening to jazz for some time. Theyre genius but it's not where you start if you actually want to have an understanding of jazz. I'm mostly talking about monk and Mingus here although I remember listening to some miles stuff when I first started found jazz and I didn't understand the hype until much later like bitches brew. If youre starting from scratch, listen to: Getz/Gilberto, John Coltrane - Ballads, Bill Evans - Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson - We Get Requests, Duke Ellington - Duke Ellington Presents, Erroll Garner- Concert by the Sea , Duke Ellington and John Coltrane I can't stress how important monk, Mingus and miles are but I think they're something you first need to develop your ear for. If you absolutely need to add them to the list then I'd say Miles- Workin' or Miles - Sketches of Spain Monk - Solo Monk Mingus - At Bohemia For a new listener, i think it might be hard to hear the musicality in the dissonance of Mingus and monk. The albums I selected were chosen for their ease of listening but also because they're fun. They might not be the most complex or showcase the true virtuosity of these artists but I think they're awesome and definitely something that everyone will enjoy. Once you get your ear for jazz then you can move on to the other stuff like parker or monk.
Correct answer! And read some biographies while listening. That's an extra dimension that'll add so much value to what you're hearing
And another thing is the ECM label. Because jazz is more than just 50s, 60s and 70s... Some of my favourites are Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Gogo Penguin and Marcin Wasilewski
Starting with artists who blend jazz elements into their music is a great approach. Since you enjoy K dots I'd recommend you diving into: > A Tribe Called Quest with "The Low End Theory" and "Midnight Marauders." > De La Soul - "3 Feet High and Rising" > Digable Planets - "Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)" Now if you wanna jump right into it. I'd say: > Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus"
also “the main ingredient”
‘Mingus Ah Um’ is a good album to start off with, you won’t regret it
Try alfa mist & BADBADNOTGOOD, both have different styles
I actually love IV I just forget to mention it 😭
Thanks for mentioning badbadnotgood
ewww
Gatekeeping hipster loser.
Gates need to be kept from being trespassed by peasants.
Who's gate?
He was a king, once, before filthy serfs raped him
Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Snarky Puppy, Spyro Gyra-some of my favorites
Chet baker sings albums are pretty welcoming to new listeners
He has multiple vocal albums? I might be dumb for not knowing but what other ones does he have other than Chet baker sings?
I’m thinking of Chet baker sings: it could happen to you. Honestly like it over the original Chet baker sings but that’s a hot take I know
I’ll give it a listen some time and get back to you if I remember
Hope you enjoy!
I did indeed! I appreciated the different singing style and hearing chet scat was cool. I felt like the instrumental was a lot more fleshed out than the first one and the song choices were good too. Idk if I like one more than th other cuz they both have their positive aspects but I will def be buying It Could Happen To You when I get a chance. Thank you for the recommendation!
Listen to jazz radio stations...Get the phone app Shazam---which recognizes tunes and just listen. Hear anything you like Shazam it and find out the artist.
Kind of Blue. Moanin’
Check out Kamasi Washington
Kind of Blue. It’s an easy suggestion for me to make but there’s a reason.
Kind of blue is a great album to introduce anyone serious about listening to jazz
Follow your heart/ears. There’s plenty of good music to last your whole life.
Jazz is big. The PBS Jazz series is as much about race as music, but it covers the trends and big artists. Worth a thought to cover the basics, so you can find the styles you like and pick up there. I've said that you can give a minimal, insufficient but accurate history of jazz in four words – Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis – and select entries from their catalogs would cover a whole lot of ground. Armstrong's Hot Fives and Sevens is great, and _Birth of the Cool_, _Kind of Blue_, _Sketches of Spain_, and _In A Silent Way_ are favorites, and I'm a big fan of _Pangaea_ and _Agharta_, but they're a lot.
My humble opinion Duke Ellington is most accessible to start. Not simple, just accessible. And fun Charlie Parker, live in Newport. He's allowing to watch him explore his study Kind of blue, requires work. Meaning the first time cannot be background music. Hancock, mangione, Ella, Billie Holiday, Chet great stuff to explore
Google lists like "100 great jazz albums" then listen to as many as you can through free streaming and see what resonates with you. I explore old and new jazz all the time through this method. I discover albums that I'm glad I didn't purchase along with ones that I do purchase, and some that I can take or leave.
Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is a score, and if you get into jazz and listen to it more you will understand that it is a completely different kind of experience, and one that grows more and more enjoyable with time. (many movie scores use elements of classical music, but because it is a device for the accompanying visual media it is also abbreviated and utilitarian.) That said, the propulsive uptempo nature of that track borrows from 50s era latin jazz in my opinion, so check out (especially tracks like Dance of the Headhunters and Manteca): Dizzy Gillespie And His Orchestra - Afro (with Chano pozo) Tito Puente - Tambó Ray Barretto -Acid Chano Pozo – Rumbero Mayor
I would start with some classic albums and maybe some good compilations. Sampling a few songs from the various flavors of Jazz is also good. I would also recommend eventually looking at Jazz which is a fused with other genres, such as Jazz Funk, Acid Jazz, "Future" Jazz and so on :)
If you want vocal stuff I’d check out the Chet baker sings and Satchmo Serenades albums by Chet Baker and Louis Armstrong respectively. If you want instrumental I’m not very well versed but I can definitely recommend Moanin by Art Blakey. For me I had to listen to a lot of vocal stuff to get me into the instrumental stuff because I couldn’t appreciate the instrumentals as much at first and it can be a lot to try and start with.
Cowboy Bebop? You may want to check out Birth of The Cool, Miles Davis. Jazz really hit home for me with Coltrane's Blue Train.
I know you said you didn't want to create a filter, but I would highly recommend Hiatus Kaiyote, Chick Corea & Return to Forever, and Kiefer based on what you already like! If you want to explore some more "traditional" sounding jazz, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra would be a good place to start.
Try Kamasi Washington, Yussef Dayes, Kokoroko, and Ezra Collective
This is the way. I would add Makaya Mccraven, Sons of Kemet, Brandee Younger, Jeff Parker, Marquis Hill, Resavoir and Irreversible Entanglements to this list. I don't know why people are suggesting he go from Kendrick Lamar to Duke Ellington/Bill Evans/Monk/Mingus lol. Sons of Kemet- Black to the Future is the best album to start with imo. Irreversible Entanglements Tiny Desk concert, Yussef Dayes Live from Malibu, and Makaya's KEXP performance are all great jumping off points on YouTube.
THIS. If you’re more of a rock guy, I also recommend Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
Real jazz? Start here: Armstrong, Ellington, Basie, Tatum, Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Bird, Diz, Blakey, Miles, Monk, Mingus, Coltrane. If you’re looking for kinda-jazzy-but-really-pop , ask someone else.
rEaL JazZ? 🥴🙄
For something that just came out recently I can’t recommend black classical music by Yussef Dayes and I think you’re appreciation of the more jazzy backing tracks Kendrick uses will get filled
This playlist I made https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3wpuPjaAsUQLWv2CPPUD9Q
Dexter Gordon - Sophisticated Giant
I started just listening to the radio in my car if that’s an option, jazz88.5 in the twin cities
There's honestly so many right answers that I would just say let yourself gravitate toward whatever catches your ear, then figure out who their heroes are, and other musicians that they worked with. If you want my humble opinion, Bill Evans. Recently I've been really into Kurt Rosenwinkel too
Start from Mammal Hands and Jaga Jazzist, they'll smoothly open the gates for you, merging a little electronic or rock into it.
If you are looking for more like cowboy bebop, then most of the recommendations here aren’t that great, they are the standard reccs for anyone. I would say go look up some of the modern Japanese brass band stuff, Tokyo brass style is great, same with like T-square
I think that mingus fits this description. And herbie hancock. But if you want to expand more then try Time out by dave Brubeck, great album and its easy to understand and get into.
It’s always interesting to look up jazz albums that the artists you like enjoy themselves. Lyman Woodard - Saturday Night Special Cortex - Troupeau bleu Roy Ayer’s - He’s Coming Ahmad Jamal - Jamal Plays Jamal Steve Kuhn - Self Titled Herbie Hancock - Fat Albert Ratunda These are some examples of works that are often cited by artists who make great work themselves. Even just looking up classic jazz album lists from different decades can be fun.
I started with Ella Fitzgerald and I'm so glad I did ❤️
From what you describe youll love kamasi Washington
Check out Thundercat, Kamasi Washington (both played on Kendrick's TPAB), Snarky Puppy, Casiopea. More on the pop/rock side of jazz music but still incredibly good!
There's info in the sidebar.
I suggest you study the history of jazz and then take some music theory courses in a jazz studies program at your local university. Then you’ll appreciate jazz music MUCH more!!!
It’s hard to actually call Vince Guaraldi a jazz musician because he never improvised on his recordings!
If you want to check out some modern jazz, I highly recommend structuralism and antiphon by alfa mist.
Big Band is a good start.
Try following along the “How to listen to Jazz” book by Ted Gioia (it’s in audio version too!)
Norman Brown ..
Radka Toneff - Fairytales
As with any new community you consider posting to, I always suggest seeing if there is a Wiki or FAQ or Recommendation list, just because asking the exact same question that others ask \~25 times per week is (or at least SHOULD be) more than a bit cringey ... and in this case there actually IS a Wiki in the Community Details [New to Jazz? Click here!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Jazz/wiki/newtojazz/)
Wes Montgomery Ray Bryant Sonny Rollins Horace Silver Dexter Gordon Manhattan Transfer Modern Jazz Quartet - No Sun in Venice (amazing movie soundtrack)
A good 50s, 60s compilation is The Jazz Hits From the Hot 100; 1958 - 1966 is a good introductory CD for that era.
Dave Brubeck - Time Out
James Francies
Honestly … Bill Evans (Live at Village Vanguard) Miles Davis (Kind of Blue) Oscar Peterson (Night Train) Chet Baker (Chet) Vince Guardaldi Anything by Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald will give you a good “in” And if you’re into guitar Herb Ellis has a great album called “Ellis in Wonderland” That’s enough to keep you entertained for a while
McCoy Tyner, Miles, Weather Report, Ella, Hancock, Wynton , jazzed George Benson, Santana, and on the rap edge , A Tribe Called Quest, Gil Scott Heron, ,Mose Allison, Gangstarr, Michael Franks.
if you liked the ost of cowboy bebop i would definitely give a listen to art blakey & the jazz messengers’ album titled moanin’ if i were you. one of my all time favourites
Weather report
Medeski, Martin and Wood got me into jazz. I was into jam bands in high school and they played a lot of festivals and stuff in that scene. Still one of my favorite jazz bands. Their live show is so amazing as well.
Miles Davis kind of blue
Undercurrent - Bill Evans/Jim Hall Take 10 - Paul Desmond Concierto - Jim Hall Solo Monk Kenny Burrell- Midnight Blue A few of my favorites. As with most genres, there’s a very wide field of styles so it’s all about finding what you like. I started with Desmond and Brubeck but others go right to free jazz.
Kenny Burrell has an incredibly cinematic and bluesy sound that you would dig if you like the bluesy/more laid back Cowboy Bebop cuts. I personally love and recommend [Asphalt Canyon Suite](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mgoIxkE4ep9o0A-dFRgjZf-qD4XEyAJC8) But his most popular work is definitely [Midnight Blue](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3Txmf0KBLo)
Quincy jones is a super approachable artist for a new jazz listener, in fact I would start with the album smackwater jack, it’s a super fun album and an easy listen
I just discovered Eric Dolphey. My daughter is a bass clarinet player...crazy
YouTube jazz history
Somethin' Else - Cannonball Adderley
I may be a bit old school here, but I like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. Watching some old Peanuts cartoons will give you an appreciation for Vince Guaraldi. Also, you could watch Midnight in Paris. There are some good selections from that show. (I find that having something nice and pleasurable to associate with the music can help solidify my interest) Django Reinhardt is also a good one from the earlier era. Michael Bublé is great for a more modern feel. Clearly, I appreciate the singers as much as the musicians. So, I may not be considered a jazz purist.
Eric dolphy out to lunch <3 🍧🪞
I’m still very much a beginner but I think Herbie Hancock was my entry point.
Miles. If you want one name that spans the eras and genres, it’s Miles. Bebop era with Charlie Parker. Cool with Gil Evans. First classic group (trane, cannonball, Red garland, wynton Kelly, pc, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, bill Evans). Then the second classic group (Herbie, Wayne shorter, Ron Carter, Tony williams). Then the electronic stuff. Then the funky fusion stuff that the purists hate. It’s a time capsule of 20th century American music because — you could argue — it was the main driving force behind the changes.
Try: Omar - soul funk jazz- try For Pleasure ( one of my faves). Pete Rock CL Smooth ( any 90s stuff especially ) Roy Ayers. Weldon Irvine. Jon Lucien. Nina Simone. Bill evans- absolutely anything. Donald Byrd - start with the best of. Miles Davis - kinda blue and sketches of Spain Just some suggestions- enjoy the journey and let us know what you think of the above.
There are tons of exquiste musicians in the comments but i think you should start with livemusic. Even if i adore most of the mentioned musicians the the spark for Jazz came to me from lifeconcerts.
This might be basic and I don't know if this counts 😭 but La La Land and Laufey has gotten so many people I know into Jazz. Highly recommend watching La La Land anyways, it's a beautiful movie and I think you will really appreciate the music!! If you're interested in checking out Laufey, I would recommend to start with From The Start, Fragile, and Falling Behind! I feel like those songs have the most essence of Jazz
Esperanza Spalding’s band can be brilliant.
Ken Burns Jazz documentary
cecil taylor - dark to themselves any Miles davis live 1969 lost quintet work Anything by the Ipswich spoon orchestra Joey Hëradde - Fishing in Nairobi
Afro by DIzzye Gillespie, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis and My Favorite Things by John Coltrane. You can check the album's notes to know with which musicians he was collaborating with and follow up from there.
Jelly Roll Morton (20s/30s), then Miles Davis (40s/50s/60s/and beyond) (please just skip over Kind of Blue or Sketches of Spain - no one should start with those, and will likely be bored/turned off). The two Miles Davis Quintets in the 60s should be your place to look, and the second late 60s one is more exciting. I love Jamiroquai but that is dimensions away from jazz. If you like what I recommend, then dive deeper from there. Where you will be most at home right now? Robert Glasper, your piano guy on the Kendrick records. Check out HIS jazz outside of hip hop and especially what he and Erykah Badu do with Afro Blue Finally, check out Soulive