Where do I start with the whole genre of Jazz?

[alexwaston]

Alright, well I have always like jazz, but never really bothered to get into it. I was just wondering if I am just starting brand new getting into jazz, who do I start with?

I was also listening to this college radio and the dj said it was ambient jazz/funk music. I could definitely tell there was a jazz influence in the music. Is there even a sub-genre such as ambient jazz/funk music. Not sure if that is even the best description for it but oh well...

Thanks!

[g8ina]

Heres a few to start on, ranges from big band swing, thru AfroCuban fusion to Indian classical fusion :

Any Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie or Duke Ellington,
Weather Report ("Heavy Weather" album)
Shakti (Indian Classical fusion)
Spyrogyra
Jean Luc Ponty
Jacques Loussier (Bach Jazz)
Dave Brubeck

Have a listen to any of that lot, see how you get on, come back for more.

[Dashers]

Jazz, that's a big genre. I'd probably start with some online radio stations/spotify that sort of thing and get some random mix of different types until you can find the sort of thing that you enjoy.

[kalniel]

It's almost impossible to define music sub-genres, the labels are more just a guide to help you see if you might like something.

Some would also say you aren't hearing jazz if you're listening to a recording - you need to get to a club and experience the magic that goes on between band members in person

[scaryjim]

Alright, well I have always like jazz, but never really bothered to get into it. I was just wondering if I am just starting brand new getting into jazz, who do I start with?

I'd say that depends on where you're coming from What would you call your favourite genre? You'll be able to find jazz-influenced versions of that to start attuning your ear to the differences, then move into more styles of jazz from there.

... Is there even a sub-genre such as ambient jazz/funk music. ...

There's pretty much a sub-genre that fits any set of adjectives you care to string together There are absolutely sub-genres like ambient jazz, ambient funk, jazz/funk, etc. which take influences from different musical forms and blend them together. You can't really slice sub-genres that think - you just recognise that the music contains a number of different influences...

[Ttaskmaster]

Go through some of the artists booked at Ronnie Scott's and check out some of their stuff on YouTube.
That's what I did, although I did go along to the club itself a few times - Take plenty of money, in case you want to buy the performers' CDs on the night. There's a reason I have no cash and a stack of Dave Weckl albums!!