Where do I start when it comes to Jazz?

[CamiloDíaz]

Simply put, I have absolutely no background in Jazz, but I enjoy it very much. I dig me some Metheney, some Jaco, and some fusion acts that some friends, every now and then, present to me. Where would you point a guy like me if he wanted to learn about it. What to get my hands on first, what to listen to first, where can I find useful guidance about the fundamental recordings of the genre? Where, oh where do I start?

[Jazzdogg]

Following the ways jazz has changed over time, and recognizing the pattern language of jazz, can be augmented by listening to recordings, like the Smithsonian series, or watching jazz documentaries. Your public library and local college can be a good place to start. Listen to everything you can - not only the stuff you already like.

If you don't already understand enough music theory to dig what is happening in jazz from a musical perspective, you may find it difficult to play jazz with others.

Taking music classes at the local community college or university can be both educational and fun.

[57pbass]

Learn all the scales....

[TheBasicBassist]

Originally Posted by 57pbass

Learn all your seventh chord triads in every inversion and sonority...

Fixed. =]

[jweiss]

Well these resources are probably as good as any out there in terms of finding a good place to start your collection:

http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showp...&postcount=190

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~ghfick/Basic%2049.xls

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0805...03#reader-link

[CamiloDíaz]

jweiss, that was exactly what I was looking for, to start a collection, precisely to feed my ear with jazz. Sometime in the distant future I could attemp to play it, but I'm a MILLION years away from that. I've spent my 18 years of playing in rock, so although I have developed some insane skills necessary (stamina being the greatest), I've not spent any serious time studying music. But my question was in the listening spirit. Playing is way over my head when it comes to jazz.

The links you posted are great but, What would you recomend? If we were neighbours, what would you lend first from your own collection to start me on listening to jazz?

[Philbiker]

There's a set of record released by the Smithsonian, it's also available on CD. It's called "The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz". It doesn't get into fusion much, but it's a great collection of jazz from the beginning to the early 70s (when the original 6 LP set was released). It's been used as the material for many college courses on Jazz through the years. If you can find a used copy on either CD or vinyl it's a great starting point.

[Bassmickeyd]

All Jazz came in by way of the Blues boat. So, can you play the blues? ..... I'm mean dig in and groove on a simple 12-bar blues lines without making it into something it's not supposed to be. Nothing but a steady solid groove that makes other musicians pick up their instruments and a girl come sit beside you and breath softly in your hear; "So, you play the bass." ......... If you don't you better start there. .... You start there and all the other doors will open up. Remember you got to learn to walk before you learn to run or learn to fly.

[jweiss]

Originally Posted by CamiloDíaz

jweiss, that was exactly what I was looking for, to start a collection, precisely to feed my ear with jazz. Sometime in the distant future I could attemp to play it, but I'm a MILLION years away from that. I've spent my 18 years of playing in rock, so although I have developed some insane skills necessary (stamina being the greatest), I've not spent any serious time studying music. But my question was in the listening spirit. Playing is way over my head when it comes to jazz.

The links you posted are great but, What would you recomend? If we were neighbours, what would you lend first from your own collection to start me on listening to jazz?

Well, here are my highly biased suggestions

Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis - '58 Sessions Featuring Stella by Starlight
Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus
Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage
Cannonball Adderley - Somethin Else
Cannonball Adderley - Portrait of Cannonball
Horace Silver - Song For My Father
Bill Evans - Waltz For Debby
Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Bill Evans - Portrat in Jazz
Charlie Parker - The Complete Savoy and Dial Studio Recordings
Horace Silver - Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers
Thelonius Monk - With John Coltrane
Thelonius Monk - Monk in Tokyo
McCoy Tyner - Supertrios
Chet Baker - Jazz in Paris, Vol 1
Clifford Brown and Max Roach
Jim Hall Trio - Jazz Guitar
Joe Henderson - Page One
Joe Henderson - Inner Urge
John Coltrane - Blue Train
Lee Konitz - Motion
Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder
Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil

[guroove]

What? No Mingus?

[guroove]

Originally Posted by 57pbass

Learn all the scales....

TheBassicBassist already corrected this, but he is right. Learn from this woman everything that you can:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9idtdWAAEA

[jnuts1]

also left out dave holland, if i were you i would just go buy his entire catalog. but i too am biased. very biased.

[jweiss]

Originally Posted by guroove

What? No Mingus?

Honestly I'm not a huge fan. Like his stuff, just not on the same level as the stuff above. But for the OP, the "usual suspects" are:

Mingus Ah Um
Blues and Roots
Pithecanthropus Erectus

[jweiss]

Originally Posted by jnuts1

also left out dave holland, if i were you i would just go buy his entire catalog. but i too am biased. very biased.

I do enjoy his music, but for a first timer I don't think it fits with the other choices above.

[jnuts1]

you are correct, it is very complex stuff for a first timer. all of the horn layers might make your head spin.

some music friends of mine (guitar) refuse to listen to him because they say it makes their head spin. it makes my head spin too but in a good way!

[Philbiker]

Also... Check your local public library. They may have lots of jazz CDs you can listen to and decide what you like.

[251]

+1 Smithsonian Collection. Add to it Jerry Coker, "Listening to Jazz" Coker uses the Collection to illustrate his book. it is the 1st listing on this page;
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...jazz&x=11&y=19

[Philbiker]

If you have a lot of time, and a Netflix subscription, the Ken Burns series "Jazz" on DVD is also a great introduction to Jazz. The series has its problems, fairly major ones IMO, but is a good introduction.

[joehaven]

Listen and repeat.

[musicbikeman]

+200 on Miles. He is the real deal. Layed down the foundations you know? And Paul Chambers is a super solid bass player. Bill Evans is the real deal too. And the smithsonian collection is great. Basically, go team.