Never listen to jazz or blue; need recommendations for playing on the piano

[Enter_Username_Here]

Hey! I've been playing piano for about 7 years, but none of my piano teachers have integrated rythmn into my playing. So when I moved I got a new teacher, and he basically told me that I suck because I have no rythmn (on the piano at least, I can play bongos and sing on the beat though, go figure) and he's getting me to play jazz, blues, and the like. I don't know how to do any jazz/blues improvising, nor do I have the feel for it, so I figure it'll help if I listen to some stuff. Anyone have some recommendations in mind? Oh, and right now I'm working on "Straight, No Chaser"
Thanks

[JFitzGenius]

The old Harlem stride masters are probably the best place to start for rhythm. Fats Waller and Art Tatum probably coalesced the stride philosophy best, and were fairly well recorded. Oscar Peterson is sometimes derided as being a Tatum copycat, but I like his stuff. Bud Powell is an encyclopedia of jazz piano at his best, so you can't go too far wrong there. Any my personal favorites, McCoy Tyner and Thelonious Monk, are always in the mix.

As for blues, Johnny Johnson played on a lot of great sides for Chess. A great player, particularly when paired with Chuck Berry.

[Tenorman]

Think of a tune that you can play on both Bongos and piano. With the tune in your head (or humming it) record your bongo accompaniement on tape, mini-disc or what ever. Play it back and play piano along with it.

Get a hold of a CD called The Dave Brubeck Octet on Original Jazz Classics (OJCCD 101-2) Listen to track 9 How High The Moon. They play the same tune to a variety of the rhythms prevalent in the 20th century, from ragtime to Be-Bop. A bit twee but interesting and you may find it educational as well

BTW - interesting handle you have there

[Muskrat Ramble]

I suck because I have no rythmn

Rhythm is the king of music, its heartbeat. Without it you get...not much. Do you have a metronome to practice with? Highly valuable.

I can't believe none of your previous teachers focused on rhythm skills :( All playing requires a focus on it, particularly with things like classical music where you don't have a drummer or bassist to work with. That's cool that your new teacher is setting things straight.

What sort of music have you been playing on piano? That might help people make recommendations for artists that you'll find interesting and helpful as you gain a feel for the music (and jazz and blues are very much about feel).