I've started listening to jazz and I really like it. I've been putting the digital music jazz station on my TV while I study.
I want to buy a couple CD's, but have no idea where to start. Keeping in mind that I'm new, does anyone have anything they recommend? Any specific albums that are a great buy for the new jazz listener? I like Diana Krall, but would have no idea which CD to buy there either.
Any ideas/thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by Lawren at July 24, 2004 08:32 AM
You Said
Her new CD The Girl In The Other Room is quite nice, with songs written with her hubby, Elvis Costello and The Look of Love. And if you are up for a good live cd, the Live in Paris is also excellent.
I can't believe I've just extolled the virtues of Diana Krall. The end of the world is Nigh!
Says:
Andrea at July 24, 2004 08:58 AM
Jazz isn't my forte, but if you're looking for some classical jazz musicians I recommend the following: Miles Davis (great trumpet), John Coltrane (great saxophone), Herbie Hancock (great piano), and Charlie Parker.
If you can preview the CDs somehow do so as you'll definately want to preview this fantastic musical style. Sounds like you'll be hitting The Jazz Kitchen a little more often now :)
Says:
Brian D. at July 24, 2004 09:50 AM
Grazed through my CD collection and pulled out what I'd lend a jazz newbie (esp. one I didn't want scare the beejebus out of, since my collection skews toward the extreme):
- Dave Brubeck - Time Out
- John Coltrane - My Favorite Things
- Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
- Thelonious Monk - The Unique Thelonious Monk
- Art Tatum - Solo Masterpieces Volume I
There's also a good compilation series with titles like Jazz for the Quiet Times, Jazz for a Lazy Day, Jazz for When You're Alone, etc., that actually sounds better than their titles might lead you to believe...Says:
LDH at July 24, 2004 11:49 AM
Thanks everyone.
Says:
Lawren at July 24, 2004 01:33 PM
You can't go wrong with John Coltrane. "My Favorite Things" is great, as is "Blue Train."
Blue Train truly changed EVERYTHING for me.
Somebody else already covered Brubeck's "Take Five," so I'll just nod in agreement.
Diana Krall, incidentally, is married to one of my favorite musicians -- Elvis Costello...but this isn't about me. :-)
Says:
Kevin the Interloper at July 24, 2004 02:15 PM
Any first time jazz listener must start with Kind of Blue, by Miles. It's a must! Also, check out A Love Supreme by Coltrane, considered his masterpiece.
Says:
Christina at July 24, 2004 03:07 PM
You can't go wrong with any of Diana Krall's CDs. Her newest "The Girl in the Other Room" is great. My first Diana cd was "All For You" which is a tribute to Nat King Cole. It is still one of my favorites.
Says:
axion at July 24, 2004 04:35 PM
Ditto on LDH's list,especially Miles Davis. Might also try some Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, and David Koz. Now all you need is a martini and a good cigar. Or wait, that's what I need.....c-ya.
Says:
Norman at July 24, 2004 04:44 PM
I like Diana Krall well enough but I much prefer Diane Schuur.
Says:
at July 24, 2004 10:10 PM
Coltrane Gaint Steps was my first jazz purchase followed by Miles Kind of Blue. Wynton Marsalis is another.
If you have time check out Ken Burns Jazz. PBS still maintains a web site. Its a great intro to the history of jazz and it can help you decide what style of jazz you prefer.
Says:
Lynne at July 25, 2004 10:50 AM
Instead of Diana Krall - go with Dianne Reeves...she is amazing...oh, and for something a bit different, try Bela Fleck & the Flecktones...not exactly jazz, but excellent all the same....and I agree with Lynne about Ken Burns' Jazz...it is very very informative.
Says:
Kelly P. at July 26, 2004 08:56 AM
Ramsey Lewis has always been a favorite of mine, especially if you like a simple trio (piano, bass and drums)
Says:
eff at July 26, 2004 09:14 AM