Jazz Recommendations?

Good afternoon all,

As jazz was never one of my music "specialities", I thought where better to turn than the wealth of knowledge here. I'm not sure why but since building my new PC and finally accessing my music collection again for the first time since February, I find that I've been drawn to the relaxing vibes of jazz and other "easy listening" genres which typically fall into the lesser populated end of my collection.

I know jazz can be grouped into different categories but I've never been keen on the "plink-plonk" jazz club stuff where everyone seems to be doing their own thing (although I do appreciate great musicians). Before I ask for recommendations though, it would probably make sense to establish what I do like?

I was brought up on a lot of 50s music and film so Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc are ok although I do prefer velvety female vocals (I already have Norah Jones' back catalogue). My recent demo of the FH3 speakers introduced me to Anouar Brahem (world jazz?) so his name was noted for my next shopping spree. I half-heartedly discovered Marta Gomez a few years ago but listening to her Cantos de Agua Dulce album yesterday was a treat.

Mongo Santamaria's - Watermelon Man is also fantastic and is one of my longer-owned albums. Apart from Latin jazz I also like instrumental types, with Jimmy Smith being a favourite. Looking at his immense discography though, I have no idea if his style remained the same or not as the only full album I have is The Cat which I absolutely love. I also know a few songs from his Virginia Woolf album which is on my shopping list but as they are the same style, I guess it is safe to put me down as a fan ("big band"?). But can you recommend any other of his albums for me to get stuck into? What other artists/albums should I consider?

Thanks in advance of your suggestions.


Tim

Edited by miT - 13 Dec 2016 at 7:57am

Thanks Godra. I sampled both on YouTube this morning. Loving Gregory Porter! The intro for the video of Liquid Spirit perfectly demonstrates the jazz I don't like, he does it as a joke.

I have added him to my shoppin list as well.

@miT :I'm happy that you loved Gregory Porter. I've been listening to his lp for one years and still find it great!

@morris_minor : Great channel, I just subscribed to it. Thanks!

miT : Hey Laura is one of my favorite too (and of my girlfriend too) ! Try to listen to 'Time is ticking' on Youtube. It's a bonus song on Liquid Spirit LP. I love it.