New to BB

[Darkoath]

Greetings!

I am a newcomer to jazz music and to this BB. I "discovered" jazz by watching Ken Burn's Jazz History. I loved the music so much that I purchased the DVD set and started buying the CD's from the series. This lead me to Border's jazz esentials recommendations and I've been going from there. Although I find I like all jazz I really love the material from the 50's and 60's best.
Thus far some favorites discovered are Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Wes Mongomery and The Modern Jazz Quartet. There is just so much music out there though... and even when looking at one artist there is so much material... especially with all the reissues and best of Cd's... it can be very confusing to figure out what to purchase. I am hoping that this BB will help me along those lines!
And maybe I will make some new Jazz friends too!=)

Darkoath

[kenny weir]

Hello and welcome! yep, it can be pretty confusing - and expensive, which is a drag if you end up buying stuff you don't dig.

Never fear - you've ended up in a great place (here) to help sort it all out.

There's threads here on tips for "beginners" (I use that term broadly, as I'm sure that even those of us with decades of experience still consider themselves "beginners").

Just look is the General Music Discussion, Recommendations And Reviews, and New Releases & Reissues forums. It's fun.

[gdogus]

Hi Darkoath! And welcome! Trust me, you're gonna learn a lot. It's all pretty bewildering at first, but you'll find good guidance and discussion here. You might want to have a look at the "Building a Jazz Library" section of the main AAJ site - that's as good a place as any to get started. I also find All Music Guide (http://www.allmusic.com) to be a remarkably useful resource.

Good luck!

[Saundra Hummer]

In our view, it looks as though you're starting out on the right track! Some good taste going for yourself, although you will find divergent ideas as to what people on this board enjoy and like.

Me I like most of the older jazz, like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Bill Perkins, Clark Terry, Sonny Rollins, Stan Levey, the Lighthouse Allstars, artists from that era, not that I don't enjoy others, these are just my favorites as these are the first musicians I saw and heard play live, so today they are so imprinted in my thoughts that there is no way I want to replace them. I enjoy the others that came later, but my heart and soul stays with the ones I first loved.

[Andy D]

Welcome this is indeed the place to help you learn, a 'virtual classroom' full of ideas an thoughts from all over the world. Anyway good advice so far, see where you tastes go and look at the recommendations and the other treads mentioned.

I look forward to hearing some of your thoughts and ideas.

Regrads

Andy D.

[Tenorman]

Hi Darkoath,
You seem to like the same sort of period in Jazz that I like. Check out the Original Jazz Classics and Prestige / Fantasy labels. They have everyone who was anyone recording for them in that period and "forgotten" bands like Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-Stars

Check out http://www.fantasyjazz.com and be prepared to wave your savings goodbye:D

[Darkoath]

Thanks everyone! Wow that Fantasy site is great! Now another place to send the cash besides ebay!=)

It sure must have been great to have seen some of these musician live. There are a couple nice jazz clubs here in Ann Arbor so I'm trying to learn a little about current jazz also so I can figure out who to go and see.

I have been relying on some of the current jazz magazines like Downbeat and Jazztimes to try and learn a little about current jazz artists. Any recommendations for current artists?

Darkoath

[Muskrat Ramble]

Welcome to the forum and to jazz! I also got into jazz via the Ken Burns series. It leaves out a whole lot of jazz history, but it sure brings a lot of the music and musicians alive in an exciting way.

Btw, one place to get some good jazz CDs inexpensively is the BMG Music Club (http://www.bmgclub.com). The selection isn't incredible, but what they do have is often a lot cheaper than other online sources.

If you really get bit by the jazz collecting bug, be sure to check out Mosaic Records (http://www.mosaicrecords.com/). They put out some great sets, but they're limited editions. If you see one you want, buy now or forever hold your peace (or at least be prepared to shell big bucks on eBay :) ).

Any recommendations for current artists?


This thread (http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2338) may help you there.

[GA Russell]

Welcome Darkoath!

I recommend that you not necessarily go for the albums considered classics. They are often albums which are appreciated by veterans who are tired of the status quo and enjoy something new and different.

For a newbie, I recommend that you pick out albums that look interesting based upon their Amazon.com reviews and that you can get cheap.

If you are interested in a number of artists, try one of each without worrying which album is considered that artist's best. The idea is to enjoy the art, not pass some macho test.

Don't be afraid to like what the bored veterans consider pedestrian.

[Bill Barton]

Originally posted by GA Russell
Welcome Darkoath!

I recommend that you not necessarily go for the albums considered classics. They are often albums which are appreciated by veterans who are tired of the status quo and enjoy something new and different...

What? Just what the hell is this supposed to mean? Talk about confusing messages for those new to jazz! Darkoath, ignore this sort of illogical logic and keep on the path you're already beginning to follow, please. Yeah, I'm tired of the status quo so I'm going to buy another copy of Kind of Blue tomorrow... Give me a break!

[mickey/lynn]

Darkoath, Greetings neighbor!! (I'm in Detroit)..My recomendation to you is to keep doing what you're doing. I became intrested in jazz about 8 years ago by reading a book that was left on a table in a bookstore. The name of the book was "Meet me at Jim and Andy's" by Gene Lees.. there are 8 or 9 profiles on jazz people. That book made me go out and buy a Bill Evans cd, I now own 20. In the case of other artists (Lee Morgan is my man) I would check out the musicians playing on one cd, for example "Leeway" by Lee Morgan. I enjoyed that cd a lot so I wanted to know who the piano player was (Bobbie Timmons) find something by him, the sax player (Jackie McLean) Buy something he made the drummer (Art Blakey) A nice variety to choose from Mr. Blakey, and so on.. This site is great for people like you and me because there are some very dedicated lovers of this music and I for one am going out to purchase something by Sonny Criss, based on some of the quotes I've read in the Sonny Criss thread.. Sorry for going on and on...

[JFitzGenius]

Part of my job at AAJ is to try to keep people from taking jazz too damned seriously (I'm also in charge of refreshments). It's music, it's meant to be enjoyed. Listen to what you like, and don't worry about what anyone else says. Unless, of course, you decide that Kenny G is a serious and important artist, in which case I will beat you to death with my bare hands. :cool:

[Fran]

Within all above there is much very good advice, but to really appreciate JAZZ don't limit yourself to the 50s and 60s. The music of that period will mean much more to you if you listen to what came before. The roots if you will. Delve into the 20's, 30s, 40s. There is such a rich history to Jazz. Listen to the roots of what your drawn to now. And don't miss the big bands of that earlier time, Basie, Hines Ellington, Herman, Goodman, Lunceford.

[gregk]

Originally posted by Darkoath
It sure must have been great to have seen some of these musician live. There are a couple nice jazz clubs here in Ann Arbor so I'm trying to learn a little about current jazz also so I can figure out who to go and see.


Darkoath

I'm assuming you already know about the Bird of Paradise then! If you don't already know of the UMS, pay attention to their jazz concert series. They usually bring some of the greats here. In the last 3 years I have seen Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter Herbie Hancock duet, and each of those 2 with their own quartets. This year they also have featured Charles Lloyd and will have Ornette Coleman playing in March. For a small city Ann Arbor has a great jazz scene.

[Saundra Hummer]

Originally posted by Fran
Within all above there is much very good advice, but to really appreciate JAZZ don't limit yourself to the 50s and 60s. The music of that period will mean much more to you if you listen to what came before. The roots if you will. Delve into the 20's, 30s, 40s. There is such a rich history to Jazz. Listen to the roots of what your drawn to now. And don't miss the big bands of that earlier time, Basie, Hines Ellington, Herman, Goodman, Lunceford.

How about songs like Chattanooga ChooChoo! Amapolla, and the other songs by Tex Beneike, Helen O'Connel, and the other great band singers of that time. The 30's and 40's had some great band music, and some great band singers, it is just too bad that they didn't have the recording skills and equipment we have today, as it would be amazing to hear. Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, these are the singers I know the best, the ones that readily pop into my mind, but there are so many others that led the way.

[clifton]

Welcome Darkoath. I'm someone who loves all jazz. My favorite musician is Charlie Parker, but I listen to everyone from Earl Hines to Jason Moran. Jazz is a vast ocean of great music and a multitude of styles. As a Parker freak, I'd steer you right to "Jazz At Massey Hall", but there's just so much out there. Don't miss Ellington's "Far East Suite", or if you want to hear what some of today's giants are doing, you can't go wrong with Dave Holland. Enjoy the board and above all enjoy the music.

[James]

Welcome, Darkoath!!

I'll second the recommendation to check out the All Music Guide. There you can get biographical info. on the musicians, as well as reviews of classic & current recordings. Google searches can provide a wealth of information as well.

With all of the sound samples available on the net, you can quickly check out artists you find discussed here on the BB and your learning curve will be a steep one. As has been mentioned, jazz is a vast and magnificent frontier ---- have fun and don't be afraid to voice your questions and sentiments.

[Darkoath]

Well thank you everyone for the replies!

I do love all Jazz I have heard thus far... well there have been a couple really atonal pieces that I have heard that really had no musical structure that I did not care for so much but...

I am just focusing right now on the period I like the best... but I have some material from different periods. I also enjoy the big band material and have some Henderson, Ellington, and Basie. I also purchased the Armstrong Hot 5's and 7's box set and really love that. Also I am a great fan of Billie Holiday and have some of her material. There is just so much great material out there that I thought I should focus for a while. Many times however when I hear something that I really like I just have to run out and purchase it as soon as I can find it!=)

Also the material from the 70's to the present I really know very little about at all. I have some Diana Krall and not too much else that is modern.

David
Ann Arbor

[Darkoath]

Ohhh by the way gregk...

I am planning on seeing Ornette Coleman at Hill Auditorium in March! I can't wait! Who knows maybe we will meet each other and have a cup of Joe after the show!=)

David
Ann Arbor

[nkipa]

Another useful guide is the Penguin Guide to Jazz. As with AMG, take it with a grain of salt, but the descriptions are usually helpful.

For more recent jazz, have you heard Keith Jarrett? His recordings are considered by many here to be one of the pinnacles of jazz piano trio. His CDs on the ECM label are on a consistently high level. My favorite is "Still Live", a 2-CD set. Last year's "Up for It" is also quite good.

[gregk]

Originally posted by nkipa
Another useful guide is the Penguin Guide to Jazz. As with AMG, take it with a grain of salt, but the descriptions are usually helpful.

For more recent jazz, have you heard Keith Jarrett? His recordings are considered by many here to be one of the pinnacles of jazz piano trio. His CDs on the ECM label are on a consistently high level. My favorite is "Still Live", a 2-CD set. Last year's "Up for It" is also quite good.

I heartily second this recommendation. Jarrett is my favorite musician right now, and although there is a staggering amount of trio records to choose from, you can pretty much start anywhere. Still Live is probably the best, but really they are all good. Don't forget that they also do non-standard records too, which are superb: Inside Out and Always Let Me Go in particular are outstanding and represent what can be so involving about piano trio music. But, if you're looking for any of these in Ann Arbor, sorry, I've been buying them all up and the pickings are slim now!! Borders seems to be slow in restocking a lot of their jazz titles.

[LAL]

Welcome to the wonderful world of jazz Darkoath - once you're in, there's no leaving, as I've discovered. If you don't already have them, these are the essential band recordings (you can't go wrong with these) to have in your jazz CD library:

Duke Ellington
1. 2CD Okeh Ellington (Columbia/Sony)
2. 2 x 2 CD Small Groups Vols 1 & 2 (Columbia/Sony)
3. Never No Lament - Blanton/Webster Band (RCA Bluebird)
Count Basie
1. 3CD Complete Decca
Fletcher Henderson
1. 3CD Box - A Study In Frustration (Columbia/Sony)
Benny Goodman
1. 2CD Live At Carnegie Hall 1938 (Columbia/Sony)

If you're really into big band, works by Bennie Moten, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Luis Russell, Jimmie Lunceford, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman would be of interest.

Also, check out these websites:

Hep (http://www.hepjazz.com) ~ plenty of 30s-40s big band jazz/swing here
Jazz Oracle (http://www.jazzoracle.com) ~ specialises in reissuing 20s & 30s jazz
True Blue Music (http://www.truebluemusic.com) ~ a site to check out more for what's available - prices are a bit steep. Albums listed here are generally what the people at True Blue feel are worthy of your time and jazz collection.

My view on AMG (printed and website versions) is that it is very comprehensive in its artists' discography but, tends to give top billing of 5-stars to a fair number of recordings. So you will have to be discerning or have very deep pockets. The Penguin guide has more critique of artists' recordings and lists some UK/European releases not in the AMG but has a more limited discography.

Finally, do explore the older threads on this AAJ forum for items not currently discussed. There's lots of great information here.

Happy exploring!!

[TechVP]

I haven't posted a lot lately, but I've jumped back into lurking. I wanted to pass on another site that I think is not only pretty cool but helpful. At least it was to me. I don't know how it works though.

http://www.musicplasma.com/

Just type the name of a musician or group into the search box and have fun...

:angel

[Stoo]

I suggest on a different tack here recordings made on the Contemprorary label. Artists include: Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Art Pepper. These recordings sound sublime: I think they were done on an eight track. (maybe four...I'll have to find info in the sleeve notes again) When you listen the sound is not centralised: the horn player will be coming out of one speaker, bass on the left, drums 'in the middle'. These recordings are incredibly intimate listening, acheiveing an atmosphere that in my view is more or less unmatched. (There are exceptions). These I think are a little preferable to the fabulous Blue Note recordings.

[Freek]

Hello Darkoath,

Like you I'm a beginner too and I've learned a lot about jazz from this forum. A couple of tips:

If you come across an artist that you like, post a thread in which you ask for recommendations on that artist. The veterans on the site will help you sort out which albums to look for. They'll even know if an album is reissued on cd, or hard to find etc. The recommendations may be influenced by personal taste, but it's a good way to start. The boys & girls on this forum have surely pointed me in the direction of some great stuff!!!

The all music guide (allmusic.com) is a good one to search for artists and albums (I think someone mentioned this one before). You'll find biographies, ratings and reviews of albums, names of influences and followers of an artist, people the artist worked with etc. I found that they're not always accurate or complete, but it is a fine site.

Check out the Rudy van Gelder editions (RVG's) of blue note albums. They're classic blue note stuff, mostly from the jazz era you love (50's-60's), remastered by the sound engineer who engineered the original recordings. I've read that some people critiscize the sound but to me, it sounds just great!! Also, I love the way a lot of the artists on blue note from that time had a sort of funky groove (without being funk), like Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver etc. Also very nice; I don't know how it is where you live, but in the Netherlands these RVG's are very cheap compared to a lot of the other cd's!!!

Last one: I regularly check out my local second hand (record) stores for used vinyl. I've found some (for me) crucial recordings on the most crappy jazz compilations I bought for less than a couple of euro's (dollars in your case). A great and cheap way to explore jazz (and apart from that I love the atmosphere in those stuffy, dusty stores. I can hang around checking out vinyl for ages at a time, it kind of sets my mind at ease or something...but maybe I'm just a freak).

Anyway, good luck on your search for more brilliant music!

Later,
Freek.