02 Jun 08
Originally posted by CrowleyAre you looking to get an idea of what jazz is about in all its various styles or are you looking to find something that you might immediately like?
So, if a rock guy wanted to listen to a little jazz (which he knows nothing about), what would be a good starting point?
02 Jun 08
Originally posted by CrowleySteely Dan. 🙂
So, if a rock guy wanted to listen to a little jazz (which he knows nothing about), what would be a good starting point?
John Scofield is a good place to start, I think - "A Go Go" made with Medeski, Martin & Wood was an instant classic as soon as it got released, and it's pretty funky. You could check out Joey DeFrancesco too - he's one of the best musicians alive today, and he's pretty funky too.
03 Jun 08
3 edits
Originally posted by CrowleyThere's no way to cover all of jazz in a handful of recordings, but the following are all strong albums that are quite likeable, reasonably different and should be readily available. They were all recorded in the late 50's.
I guess I'd like to have a spread of music, to see what jazz is all about...?
Coleman Hawkins "Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster"
Dave Brubeck "Time Out"
Cannonball Adderly "Somethin' Else"
Charle Mingus "Ah Um"
If you're really open-minded, you might want to check out these:
Ornette Coleman "The Shape of Jazz to Come"
Andrew Hill "The Point of Departure"
Paul Bley "Time Will Tell"
Rova "Bingo"
If you check out anyone's recommendation, post your thoughts on this thread. It'll be interesting to hear your comments. One thing to keep in mind is that to get the most out of them, you'll probably need to change the way you listen to music.
03 Jun 08
1 edit
Originally posted by CrowleyIn general there are different things to listen for in jazz. For example, the drums on Point of Departure rarely overtly state the beat. However there is an underlying pulse that propels the music forward. You'll find richer harmonies, more complex rhythms, more sophisticated melodies, etc. It pays to listen actively rather than passively. It pays to listen to each individual instrument as well as the whole.
Huh? The only way I know to 'listen to music' is putting it on the stereo and letting the sound waves enter my ears.
03 Jun 08
Originally posted by ThinkOfOneA lot of that stuff comes with time.
In general there are different things to listen for in jazz. For example, the drums on Point of Departure rarely overtly state the beat. However there is an underlying pulse that propels the music forward. You'll find richer harmonies, more complex rhythms, more sophisticated melodies, etc. It pays to listen actively rather than passively. It pays to listen to each individual instrument as well as the whole.
Try not to complicate it too much.
Listen, relax, enjoy.
Currently listening to:
Oscar Peterson, Exclusively for My Friends - Vol I