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In re: below thread of "starter jazz 3-pack" I chose three things that were easy to find, had plenty of commentary, and would lead smoothly into three incomparably rich discographies (Miles, Trane, Duke)
I wouldn't give something esoteric...nor something pre-1955. Bebop is not friendly. Sure, BIRD WITH STRINGS is great but even then...nah. You kinda need to be a member of the church of Bird to get that word. And early Louis and Billie are lo-fi, you have to listen past crackle.
Also I think live albums can be tricky. A well-produced studio album usually has a bit more pop ethos. (There are exceptions of course, like Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing)
I also think if someone says they want to explore jazz, they must want to hear swing rhythms and rich harmony. Just the basics -- not earlier jazz, not avant-jazz, not fusion, but just that central message.
Fast tempos are hard to understand. This I'm certain about: Medium tempos are where it's at when trying to get someone to engage with the texture.
The rhythm section feel is very important. GIANT STEPS and TENOR MADNESS are not perfect in the feel department. Great albums! But not the most swinging albums...TIME OUT is a good gateway for the simple tunes are superb recorded sound -- but it's also less swinging.
I also think horns are key. Newbies like horns singing and talking the blues with human warmth. Piano trios are already kinda "classical" sounding.
Anyway, that's the sort of stuff I was thinking about. Again, my choices:
Miles Davis KIND OF BLUE
Duke Ellington AND HIS MOTHER CALLED HIM BILL
JOHN COLTRANE AND JOHNNY HARTMAN
Miles Davis KIND OF BLUE
Duke Ellington AND HIS MOTHER CALLED HIM BILL
JOHN COLTRANE AND JOHNNY HARTMAN
