JAZZ & JAZZ FUSION albums for people who are new to jazz

[@pablocarlos3441]

Great video! Made me think about the five albums that got me into jazz 50 years ago: Modern Jazz Quartet, "Blues on Bach"; Oscar Peterson Trio, "Live at the Concertgebouw"; Return to Forever, "Where Have I Known You Before"; Gerry Mulligan, "Idol Gossip"; Keith Jarrett, "Belonging." By the way, I love that you mention McCoy Tyner's "Fly With the Wind" because that's a personal favorite of mine.

[@williamjackson6705]

The fusion albums I would recommend for newbies are: 1.Miles Davis: In a Silent Way 2.Stanley Turrentine: Sugar 3.Weather Report : Heavy Weather 4.John Klemmer: Touch 5.Pat Metheny Group( debut album with the white cover) Straight Jazz album: 1. John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman 2. Frank Morgan: Love : Lost and Found 3.Jimmy Smith: Fourmost 4.Bill Evans: Portrait in Jazz 5.Miles Davis: Kind of Blue 6. Sarah Vaughn: The Duke Ellington Songbook 7.Jane Monheit: Never Never Land I would disagree with you on Bitch's Brew. That is an album for more experienced listeners. Way too complex for people who are only use to more simplistic forms of music.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for your list and comments and thank you for watching my video 😊. I think most people would be into "Bitches Brew" over a album like "Kind of Blue" especially the younger generation who are into forms of rock music because that album has elements of rock that they are already familiar with so the gradual translation to jazz would be smoother. I would introduce a album like "Kind of Blue" much later. I do agree with you 💯 on the John Klemmer album 👌. Another John Klemmer album that I would suggest is "Blowin' Gold"

[@williamjackson6705]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Blowin' Gold is a Klemmer album I've yet to hear but his All the Children album is very as well. My favorite of his early work is still his debut album. Barefoot Ballet and Lifestyle still a lot of play in my fusion rotation.

[@brandonp5103]

Im soo happy that i discovered your channel. Im 37 and your everything i always wanted to be in a music collector.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much 😊 ✌️

[@kermitthefrogsgreenmememac6453]

Thanks again, Kenny. I'm just getting into jazz and your channel is a treasure trove of recommendations. You're also a cool guy. Cheers

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you 😊 ✌️

[@lahaza6515]

Can I just tell you how much I love your channel? Absolute best on KZbin for certain. Your knowledge, your approach, all so informative, thoughtful about every aspect & my gosh what good suggestions.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for that, it means a lot to me and I sincerely appreciate it 😊 ✌️

[@deborah4737]

The album that made my transition into straight ahead jazz was This Masquerade by George Benson.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

That song was huge for George Benson and it reached a large audience 👌 👏

[@stevemartin4249]

I get chill bumps just remembering Benson's cover of that song.

[@mr.george7687]

I'll never forget my first introduction to "Progressive Jazz". Mr. Magic by Grover Washington Jr. Was hooked immediately . Loved Pat Metheny, Azimuth, Chick Correa Etc..

[@Jazzmonger100]

Although more on the Smooth Jazz genre, I think the Bob James/David Sanborn Double Vision is a good starting point t as well

[@worldisafrick]

V.S.O.P. The Quintet was what finally got through to me, I've struggled to find another jazz album I like that much

[@GaryBrown-hn3js]

Great selections.I’d also add Donald Byrd’s Places & Spaces for people who want ease into to jazz.Great jazz/ funk fusion album. My kids came up on that one.They still enjoy it.The Blackbyrds too.

[@muzicminor25]

Excellent Jazz Fusion Choices! 🎺

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you 😊 ✌️

[@muzicminor25]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews You're welcome Sir!

[@matthewgabbard6415]

A lone voice crying in the wilderness haha. I appreciate you taking the time on this

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you 😊 ✌️

[@stephenhughley8081]

I live in Japan and Disney in Tokyo is marvelous.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

My wife wants to go there someday....I'm sure it's marvelous 😊

[@stevemartin4249]

Hi Stephen ... also a jazz lover in Japan. I live in Noborito, and from my rooftop, can see the ferris wheel at Keio Yomiuriland where they used to have "Select Live Under the Sky" summer jazz festivals. Saw Metheny and a few from Brazil there. Once shook hands with Herbie at the old Tokyo Blue Note, and got autographs from Flora and Airto. Cheers ... and one I found just a few days ago you might like ... Himiko Kikuchi's "Look Your Back" (the live version) and Tokyo Groove Joshi ... both found with a KZbin search. Cheers from across the Tamagawa!

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

I adore Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. It is an excellent pick for thoe who feel they don't like jazz. Jon Hendricks vocalese blows me away and I love Annie Ross' vocals and styling. Brilliant group and also wonderful solo artists.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I agree, collectively and individually they were great....its unfortunate that Lambert tragically died to soon.

[@ToddCaponetto]

Kenny…I’m enjoying watching your videos and listening to the music you’re recommending. As far as gateway to Jazz bands…and I do consider them to be an arm of Jazz Fusion…Earth, Wind and Fire’s “All n All” album with the song Fantasy influenced a young Todd to want to hear more which of course introduced me to Ramsey Lewis and all those early year EWF jazz jams. Johnny Grahams guitar on Zanzibar (1973) and Larry Dunn’s piano on New World Symphony, Africans and Power combine Jazz, Rock and at times psychedelica (if that’s a word). Not to mention those horns and Maurice White’s unbelievable Kalimba jam sessions. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and thoughts. 👍

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and thoughts to, they are great 👍 👌

[@marving1416]

I just had the good fortune of having a jazz radio stations WNPR before it went all news and WDCB in Chicagoland help me transition and appreciate the different styles of jazz music before I bought any of it. When I was ready to buy I went downtown to The Jazz Record Mart and bought some of what I liked. I sure do miss that store! 😢

[@fredlawson9394]

David t Walker, Quincy Jones, Donald Byrd, Ramsey Lewis.

[@stevemartin4249]

Yes!!! With one exception ... "Soul Bossa" should be thrown into the Loony Tunes bin with Austin Powers. American bossa at its worst.

[@mr.b4444]

Nice selections Kenny. I think for people transitioning from classical music to jazz, The Claude Bolling & George Rampal "Suite for Flute & Jazz Piano Trio". Also "The Classical Jazz Quartet Plays Bach" and "The Classical Jazz Quartet Play Tchaikovsky". Pat Martino and Wes Montgomery were my favorite guitarists; learned a lot from them.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I have your first recommendation in my collection. Thank you for your recommendations 😊 ✌️

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Just got me a copy of that McCoy Tyner album on your recommendation. Really elaborate record. Lots going on. Keep swinging, dude.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I hope that you enjoy the album and thanks for mentioning that ✌️

[@dmunz7015]

I think this would be relative to the persons favorite genre of music they frequently listen to, as to what would be best to ease them into jazz. I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix, early Chicago, Black Sabbath, deep purple and the like, so fusion was the genre that got me in. I was also listening to my dads collection, Coltrane, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery and Stan Getz so I also was able to appreciate the more mainstream jazz as well.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Great point, well said 👏 👍 👌

[@ericgeneric135]

So glad I subscribed to this channel. I've already found out about several great albums I haven't heard before. 👍

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for saying that snd thank you for watching 😊 ✌️

[@shimtest]

I heard George Benson's Breezin all over the radio back in the day, I think maybe it subtly pushed me towards jazz :)

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

The George Benson albums around that time period is a great place to start for sure 👌

[@gil3green]

Excellent list, my daughter loves LK&R “twisted!” Some others that could appeal or wet one’s appetite for jazz. Crusades, Ray Charles, Grover Washington, Yellowjackets (first 7 lps) Lonnie Liston Smith.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Those are all great picks 👍 👌 👏

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

Pat martino is superb bro ... what an interesting character too. His story ...

[@johnnystaccata]

I came from a rock background and transitioned into a mainstream jazz. My transition in the mid 70s included the following: Miles Davis - Jack Johnson, Big Fun, the song All Blues, Chick Corea - Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy, Weather Report - Sweetnighter, Cannonball Adderley - including that live LP, and Fiddler on the Roof (both on Capitol), John McLaughlin - various including My Goals Beyond, The Inner Mounting Flame, Stanley Clarke - solo album with Bill Connors, Jan Hammer and Tony Williams. Billy Cobham - Spectrum, Allman Brothers - Mountain Jam, Light as a Feather was a big album for many but did not figure that highly in my particular transition. There were two camps, acoustic Return to Forever and electric Return to Forever.

[@stevemartin4249]

Amen to that split in RTF. My favorite piece in the acoustic is the title cut of the first RTF album, and my favorite electric album is "Where Have I Known You Before".

[@macpdm]

Another great video with respect from the UK. I have been a jazz lover since I was maybe 13yrs old. But it’s always been more modern stuff/fusion as you mention here. But I want to start listening to older stuff. And currently trying to find what suits me. So far I’m finding its modal and cool jazz. I recently bought kind of blue. And it’s wonderful. Also songs like ‘moanin’ and ‘so what’ really seem to suit my tastes too. I recently heard a song by Ben Webster called Chelsea Bridge and loved it. I guess that would come under cool jazz. Anyway thanks for what you do Kenny.

[@RVALMAT]

Hi, Kenny. I have some of those albums and agree with you absolutely. I could add other albums like "Winelight" by Grover Washington Jr., "Breezin'" by George Benson, "Smackwater Jack" by Quincy Jones, "Places and Spaces" by Donald Byrd. Perhaps, some smooth jazz albums by Herb Alpert, Chuck Mangione, or some rock stuff by Al Di Meola, among others. Greetings and blessings.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Great choice, especially the Quincy Jones "Smackwater Jack" album. Another good Quincy Jones album is "Walking In Space" as his version of that song is great.

[@leonardoriley259]

Hi Kenny. One of the first albums I picked up when first getting into jazz was a soundtrack for the movie ‘Backbeat’ scored by Don Was. ‘You Asked, I Came’ kicks off like a Chuck Berry track. Also, the subject matter of the movie (involving The Beatles) might also assist in the transition.

[@scurvybro8850]

Two albums I would offer to newcomers as gateway drugs to jazz are "Closer to It!" by Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and "Swiss Movement" by Les McCann and Eddie Harris.

[@cheesesteak59]

Brian Auger is great. He wasn't as important a composer as many of the other fusion keyboard players but boy, could that man play!

[@scurvybro8850]

@@cheesesteak59 And he has an accessible sound that's easy to draw in newcomers.

[@henricusinstitoris2325]

Great picks! Love the channel, keep up the awesome videos

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much, I appreciate that 😊 ✌️

[@graysondunham2399]

Let's go Kenny!!!!!!! YEAH NEW KENNY VIDEO

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

😊😁

[@CamsaderLD]

what are your thoughts on The Crusaders? I feel their career was interesting considering how often their sound changed, but most consider them funk over jazz.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I really have enjoyed their music over the years, especially their early 70s music. I have two older brothers who played their music so I first heard their music when I was in elementary school. Great, underrated group 👏

[@stevemartin4249]

Joe Sample's "The Hunter" is an old favorite.

[@zenontenorio2062]

Kenny, boa tarde. Você é uma referência em musica, em especial Jazz. Ótima semana com saúde e paz. Zenon (from Brasil)

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much Zenon, thank you very much for watching from Brasil and I hope that you have a great week 😊

[@kuttycrew]

Bought BC Spectrum at a flea market in the 70s, played Quadrant4 and knew I was into something, never turned back. Others that caught me in the crossover, Jean Luc Ponty imaginary voyage, Yellow Jackets first album, Vital Information, for fusion. Dave Brubeck has to be the most accessible Jazz music there is.

[@mr.jazzfusionhiphop1298]

If someone wants to get into jazz I would tell them to get into anything on the CTI label. It has a big catalog with a lot of diverse artists.

[@stevemartin4249]

Yes ... I am thinking of the Kudu label too. Early Grover Washington Jr. and Bob James immediately come to mind.

[@AP_JUJU_BANK]

I found an 1962 stereo green label of eastern sounds a few years ago for 25$ Canadian. That's a great record.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I sure that pressing of the record sounds outstanding 👌 👏 🎶

[@AP_JUJU_BANK]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews It's a good started copy only at a VG+ sounds good but doesn't look that great.

[@mikebassy]

Pat Martino is incredible. Joyous Lake is a great album , with two guys that later played in bands with Jaco Pastorius. Kenwood Dennard and Delmar Brown , the bassist on Joyous Lake is also brilliant.

[@MarcusVolta-Tineh]

Impressive selection, Mr. Kenny. I would also include most, if not all of the albums by Marcus Miller, George Duke, Bob James, David Sanborn, Return To Forever, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, etc, etc. In terms of Weather Report, Mysterious Traveler is arguably the real deal. I remember the late Mr. Yuseef Lateef from my college years in Massachusetts and as a matter of fact, knew a wonderful gentleman who used to perform with him as a clarinetist, that was in the late eighties. Secondly, fast forward to the nightiies, I visited a very good friend in his gallery in the West Village in NYC and he showed me an album that Joe Zawinul had gifted him when he patronized his establishment. Last, but not the least, I worked with a lady who lived on the same block with Lenny White and vividly recalled sightseeing the late Chick Corea on numerous occasions. Thank you enormously for your great posting.

[@audiofool4u]

Firstly, thank you for introducing me to great music I may have missed out on. Getting back to the matter at hand, as somebody else mentioned the musical background of the person would dictate what would be best to try and that probably introduces about a thousand possibilities straight away. My two cents worth would be to go back to the big swing bands of the thirties and forties, especially the Glen Miller Tommy Dorsey type bands, as they were considered jazz ‘light’ and might help start the process of weaning someone into appreciating jazz.

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Great jazz pix my favs Billy Joe McCoy and best of LHR Joni Mitchell does nice Twisted as well! Thanks I’ll be in LA /11/1-11/8 btw

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

Weather Report at the Playboy Festival is brilliant. Do you consider The Manhattan Transfer partly a jazz group? I find the early albums really just 70's schlick pop but then I loved the albums Vocalese and Brazil. Their rendition of A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square I find exquisite - but is it jazz? Cheryl Bentyne did a vocal take of Tutu which I think is a wonderful creative take which is definitely jazz. Her vocal range is or was beyond any other I have known. Apparently Paul McCartney at a certain age had the ability to sing across three octaves?

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I consider some of the Manhattan Transfer albums jazz vocal albums and some of the songs on non jazz albums, I consider jazz songs for example the song "Birdland" is on their "Extensions" album. The album that you mentioned "Vocalese" is a jazz vocal album in my opinion that featured Jon Hendricks as a guest...that album won a grammy for best jazz vocal performance.

[@dallasjackson6269]

I found the beautiful jazz of Matthew Halsall, the awesome British jazz musician and found it to be great fusion between jazz and a touch of new age. Sometimes he collaborates with the Gondwana Orchestra which brings in a great sound and some fine vocals. Highly recommend.

[@lyndellwilliams5890]

There's one person you mentioned here I want to check out because I'm not really familiar with him. It's Joco Pastorius. Another album that's an honorable mention for a good place to ease your way in the jazz world as a new listener would probably be Tom Browne album (Love Approach).👍

[@janpierzchala2004]

Jack de Johnette New Directions (LP with Bayou Fever) for those who so far like rock music, Kind of Blue for classical music lovers. As entry points.

[@rich.e]

I will have to try these out; I've listened to a number of jazz albums in the past but overall it's never really given me what I'm looking for. Admittedly it's a hugely wide category plus I like a lot of heavily jazz-influenced music. it'd be a pretty dull place if we all liked the same stuff.

[@ryeguy7471]

For both new jazz listeners and newcomers to Miles Davis, I’d recommend In A Silent Way first and foremost.👍

[@pawekeller3572]

Of all the jazz music channels on KZbin, I consider this to be the best. You are an exceptional expert in jazz music. You can see and hear it. Could you recommend me some very, very calm jazz records? You know, the kind of albums you can put to sleep, slow and calm, to listen to late at night - piano, saxophone, trumpet and light drums. Maybe a new video on this topic.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Thank you very much for that, I appreciate it greatly 😊. It depends on the type of jazz that you like...Two albums that you perhaps now about are Bill evans "Waltz For Debby" and "Sunday at the Village Vanguard" are relatively calm. Also Miles Davis "Sketches of Spain" and Coleman Hawkins "Today and Now" album especially the song "Love Song From Apache"

[@pawekeller3572]

​@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Kenny, thank you for your quick reply. You matched my musical taste perfectly. I liked the Coleman Hawkins album "Today and Now" the most, especially the songs: "Quintessence", Don't Love Me, Love Song From "Apache", so I would like to ask for more suggestions for jazz albums in the style of these songs. I have already ordered this CD in the store. Thank you very much once again.

[@biffbaffboof]

Kenny, thanks so much for your channel! I only discovered it a couple of months ago. It is fascinating, informative and entertaining. I respect and enjoy your knowledge, humility, appreciation for a broad spectrum of music and much more! Brother, we need more channels like yours! So, I understand you're a big sports fan, so let me test you out real quick. You're not hitting the snooze button on that girl Courtney Williams, are you?

[@tomgrych]

Great selection. Kenny! How about, "Alivemutherforya", by Billy Colbham?

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

That's a great live album 👌 👏, nice choice 👌

[@dimebagdave77]

Good morning and many thanks Kenny ✌️🤘

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Good morning!...I hope that you have a great day and week 😊✌️

[@stevemartin4249]

Hi from Japan Kenny. I have that McCoy Tyner album on CD, but on listening to "Twisted' ... was a bit shocked because I thought that was a Joni Michell original. Have Mercy, Mercy, Mercy ... but the Yusef album was especially a nice new one for me. Very nice piece. Headhunters is still on my regular play list, as well as Light as a Feather, though I am not a fan of "Spain". Heavy Weather, especially "Havona" is also still on my regular play list. Of course Jaco! A few others I think some would like would include: - Herbie's VSOP Live double album, - Deodato's "Prelude", - Early Grover Washington Jr. ... Mister Magic and Feels So Good - Bob James albums from around the same era as GWJr. - George Benson, Breezin' - the three instrumental albums near the beginning of Jobim's career ... Wave, Stone Flower, and Tide ... I think all three arranged by Claus Ogerman. - one of the most beautiful albums regardless of genre to my ear ... Bill Evans and Symphony Orchestra, also arranged by Claus Ogerman. - For vocals ... just about anything by The Manhattan Transfer - A number of albums by Joni Mitchell in the early to mid 70's - Steely Dan's "Aja" - But I was shocked to the core last week when I walked into a 7-11 on the outskirts of Tokyo and recognized the background music as a muzak cover of Michael Frank's "Down in Brazil". "Sleeping Gypsy" was a brilliant album. For later stuff, I would suggest the three Brazilian tinged albums of Pat Metheny ... First Circle, Still Life Talking, and Letter From Home. Cheers to ya!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

Your list of recommendations are great, I have several of them in my collection. Thank you for watching my video from Japan ✌️

[@eaglestrike1000]

The inner mounting flame by the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

[@joeb4349]

Kenny: This is a good post, but . . . I still think that fusion is for those lost souls that will still be lost after attempting the transition. It's sort of like an expensive single malt scotch: you either like it from the get-go or you don't. One cannot transition to it. I'm sure some won't agree but that's what your channel is all about. Dialogue and differences of opinion.

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

A lot of these videos that I do is to present my honest opinion and your are correct, to start a bigger conversation. There are going to be different opinions shared but it's great to hear the opinions of others...I appreciate yours ✌️

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Shadows and Light Joni Mitchell Mr Magic Grover Washington Believe it Tony Williams Lifetime No Mystery Return to Forever Wired Jeff Beck for starters

[@mark_toma]

Hey Kenny what’s your thoughts about “Blacks and Blues” by Bobbi Humphrey?

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

No doubt a great album 👌 👏 🎶

[@stevekatz4372]

I'm Sorry my Friend But there is No Cure for those people Who Hate Jazz! At my age of 80, I have been dealing with Jazz Haters or those who just do not understand or appreciate this kind of music and nothing will change their minds! My Wife of 40 years is one of those people! Ha Ha! I have to wear my Head Phones!

[@mar69sin]

I just can’t comprehend that there are people who hate jazz ? ❤ and I love Pat Martino have many albums by him .

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I know some people who do not care for jazz to the same degree that I do not care for country music 😁...I guess we all have our own personal taste when it comes to music.

[@mar69sin]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews very good point ! I’m not a big fan of country but recently I started to get into bluegrass and appreciate the technical musicianship involved with banjo and mandolin especially .

[@cheesesteak59]

It's a monumentally important album but I would never give Bitches Brew to someone who is new to jazz fusion. I'd substitute Return To Forever's Romantic Warrior. There's also what I consider to be one of the most overlooked fusion albums - Santana's Welcome.

[@wiltedjourneys]

Kenny do you have any Sun Ra?!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I like Sun Ra but I only have a couple of records.

[@wiltedjourneys]

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews cool man. Love the videos. Keep it up!

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I appreciate that 😊 🙏 ✌️

[@kitano0]

Bitches Brew is a great album, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone new to jazz...that's music you have to be somewhat mature in your jazz journey to learn to love it. Headhunters is a great choice, though...and Spectrum, too.

[@adammchugh5456]

Check out Elbicho. 3 great albums.

[@Visible_274]

Am i too young for Jazz music? Most ppl my age dont like it like i do

[@pixeltx3364]

i really love your channel, can you make a video of your favorite modern albums? if there is of course. all the support from saudi 🫶

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I do not have a lot of modern albums but I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you very much for watching my videos 😊 ✌️

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Great jazz pix my favs Billy Joe McCoy and best of LHR Joni Mitchell does nice Twisted as well! Thanks I’ll be in LA /11/1-11/8 btw

[@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews]

I'm familiar with the Joni Mitchell version and it's very good 👍 👌