What artists do you recommend?

[DaxWax]

There are literally hundreds of currently active UK musicians playing in a wide range of styles.

Groups like Polar Bear, Acoustic Ladyland, Led Bib, Outhouse play in styles that overlap into indie-rock or grunge/punk-like areas. As Shrdlu says, there's so much you won't take it all in at once (or ever). Best to use the radio or Spotify (as you mention) and see what suits you. See if your local library carries jazz CDs (that's where I did my early exploring).

There's a UK jazz magazine - Jazzwise - that has a current/European focus but still celebrates the history and tracks US developments. Worth a read.

http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/

I know, I'll never be able to listen to all of them But yeah I'll give those bands you mentioned a listen,

Thanks for the magazine, I'll check that out

EDIT: Phwooar, I love Polar and Acoustic Ladyland so far

Edited January 23, 2010 by DaxWax

[Guest Bill Barton]

Red Allen

If you really listen he will open up a bunch of stuff.

Chuck is right on the money with this rec, DaxWax! :tup

I'd add Fletcher Henderson and McKinney's Cotton Pickers to your list when it comes to early jazz too.

roland kirk

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.

Rip, Rig & Panic is a good place to start for his earlier work and the live double-album Bright Moments plus Here Comes the Whistleman for the later Atlantic label stuff.

When you find an album you like, check out the sidemen on the date and explore other things that they did. Much easier to research in the digital era than it used to be.

Good advice here... That was my approach back in the late 1960s/early 1970s when I was where you are now, newly enamored with the music.

Welcome to the board, DaxWax, there's a great deal of knowledge floating around here. And no lack of strong opinions, as you've no doubt already noticed.

I would definitely add Ornette Coleman and Eric Dolphy to your list-in-progress.

And, from the UK scene, Stan Tracey, Joe Harriott and Chris McGregor (the latter two not native Brits.)

[DaxWax]

Wow cheers Bill! Thanks so much for the diverse range of musicians!

[brownie]

Just a suggestion: pay close attention to albums by Dexter Gordon, Kenny Dorham and Hank Mobley!

Deceptively simple and very enjoyable to listen to. The more you listen to them, the more complex you will find their music!

[Free For All]

Just a suggestion: pay close attention to albums by Dexter Gordon, Kenny Dorham and Hank Mobley!

Deceptively simple and very enjoyable to listen to. The more you listen to them, the more complex you will find their music!

Seconded and amen.

[Shrdlu]

Hey, Daxie, I wasn't suggesting that you slow down; I meant everyone else.

I guess you aren't getting much sleep these days, lol, or much work done.

I really want to pet that rabbit.

[The Rep]

Hi,

Just a couple to add to the UK musicians, Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes and Dizzy Reece. As regards Tubby and Ronnie their recordings as the Jazz Couriers is something to sort out. For up to date recordings try Toni Kofi, Peter King and Bobby Wellins. Recordings are great but as you are in London there is no excuse not to see these people live. Jazz played live, is like a bird when flying, you will hear things that just happen on that one performance. Jazz is ment to heard live.

The Rep.

[DaxWax]

Just a suggestion: pay close attention to albums by Dexter Gordon, Kenny Dorham and Hank Mobley!

Deceptively simple and very enjoyable to listen to. The more you listen to them, the more complex you will find their music!

Like in the way Mozart looks easy to play but you then end up finding it's the most difficult thing ever?

Yeah sure man I'll give that a listen

[brownie]

Yes, like the idea of Hank Mobley as today's Mozart

And Bud Powell is our Bach!

[sidewinder]

but as you are in London there is no excuse not to see these people live.

Good point. Daxie, please check out my thread re: the Ian Carr Tribute Concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, on Feb 23rd. A whole raft of great UK names will be appearing in recognition of Ian - Michael Garrick, Norma Winstone, Ray Russell, Tim Whitehead, Nicki Yeo, past members of Nucleus, Guy Barker. And I expect the crowd congregating in the bar at half time will look like a 'who's who' of British Jazz.

Edited January 24, 2010 by sidewinder

[A Lark Ascending]

Here are a couple of excellent contemporary UK records that will also get you curious about where this music all came from:

Freeish in places but essentially structured and often quite lyrical. They draw their inspiration from Eric Dolphy, a reed player who had a short but intense career in the late 50s/early 60s. If it takes your fancy you've got a route into some very interesting early 60s jazz - Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Andrew Hill.

One of the best albums of the last ten years, to my mind. Very good compositions balancing energy with lyricism. It has a rocky edge but never gets arthritic (like rock-based jazz can do!).

Both those bands tour widely and should be easy to see in London. I think Partisans and their various members are virtually residents at the Vortex!

************

Worth keeping an eye on the 'What are you listening to?' thread here:

Especially valuable when people comment on what they particularly like about a record. I'm forever being sent off exploring by people's enthusiasm there.

Edited January 24, 2010 by Bev Stapleton

[DaxWax]

Just a suggestion: pay close attention to albums by Dexter Gordon, Kenny Dorham and Hank Mobley!

Deceptively simple and very enjoyable to listen to. The more you listen to them, the more complex you will find their music!

Fab, I'll give 'em a listen

[DaxWax]

Ahh I didn't see the page 2! Thanks for albums and stuff guys!

[AndrewHill]

Jackie McLean

Art Ensemble of Chicago

Sun Ra

Cecil Taylor

Marion Brown

Archie Shepp

JJ Johnson

Paul Bley

William Parker

Matthew Shipp

Don Ellis

Art Pepper

Peter Brotzmann

[Aggie87]

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

[A Lark Ascending]

Whereas I'd say listen to what is around now and if it really catches fire for you, then start digging back.

Enjoying jazz should not be about study. Though later on you might find that worth doing.

[DaxWax]

Jackie McLean

Art Ensemble of Chicago

Sun Ra

Cecil Taylor

Marion Brown

Archie Shepp

JJ Johnson

Paul Bley

William Parker

Matthew Shipp

Don Ellis

Art Pepper

Peter Brotzmann

Thanks!

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

I know what you mean, that's the same with a lot of classical and even rock bands, although I was interested in some of the more 'unknown' artists, as well as this a range of artists that I could just stack onto my iPod and slowly get through over my life ha I know a lot of (almost all) the music is really well done and needs re-listening, but I thought I'd collect up a good stack first!

Whereas I'd say listen to what is around now and if it really catches fire for you, then start digging back.

Enjoying jazz should not be about study. Though later on you might find that worth doing.

Yeah, I'm studying Kind Of Blue right now in school, really great stuff, I love how a lot of (Miles Davis in this case) the music is just instinctively done rather than 'thought through' - a lot like the other musical greats!

Although Jazz is fantastic and 'complicated' in the way it can be studied a lot - it can also be listened to for no meaning and enjoyment

Thanks for all the stuff guys - really really appreciated x

[Guest Bill Barton]

Okay, a few more (relatively) "unknown" artists to explore:

Pee Wee Russell

Perry Robinson

Peter Apfelbaum

Fred Anderson

Von Freeman

Sonny Greenwich

Lenny Breau

John Stowell

Tom Varner

Mark Taylor (the French hornist)

Roswell Rudd

Bill Cole

Kahil El'Zabar

Clifford Thornton

John Tchicai

[A Lark Ascending]

Yeah, I'm studying Kind Of Blue right now in school, really great stuff, I love how a lot of (Miles Davis in this case) the music is just instinctively done rather than 'thought through' - a lot like the other musical greats!

Although Jazz is fantastic and 'complicated' in the way it can be studied a lot - it can also be listened to for no meaning and enjoyment

Thanks for all the stuff guys - really really appreciated x

Good for you. I didn't mean to imply that there was anything wrong with formal study (it probably read like that). Just that you don't have to start with the history to enjoy the music as a whole. Though as with everything, you eventually have to explore the history if you want to 'understand' it.

'Kind of Blue' will never lose its magic, you'll be pleased to know.

One thing you might try is working out from the musicians on that album. Try 'In a Silent Way' or 'ESP' for a different Miles Davis (or one of his orchestral collaborations with Gil Evans - you might find 'Stetches of Spain' interesting). Bill Evans' Village Vanguard records from around the same time are pearls too.

[Guest Bill Barton]

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

Very good advice here!

And have fun doing it.

But branch off into contemporary things surrounding you too. Go out to hear lots of live music. As much as your budget allows. To me that's the real key to appreciating and loving jazz and improvised music. Hear the greats in performance. Hear the near-greats. Heck, go and hear the lounge band down the street... You never know where beauty may surface.

It's a great adventure. Enjoy! "Seek and Listen" as Rahsaan Roland Kirk said.

Edited January 30, 2010 by Bill Barton

[DaxWax]

Good for you. I didn't mean to imply that there was anything wrong with formal study (it probably read like that). Just that you don't have to start with the history to enjoy the music as a whole. Though as with everything, you eventually have to explore the history if you want to 'understand' it.

'Kind of Blue' will never lose its magic, you'll be pleased to know.

One thing you might try is working out from the musicians on that album. Try 'In a Silent Way' or 'ESP' for a different Miles Davis (or one of his orchestral collaborations with Gil Evans - you might find 'Stetches of Spain' interesting). Bill Evans' Village Vanguard records from around the same time are pearls too.

It's for GCSE so it's a must do Alright I'll give those a listen - sounds good man

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

Very good advice here!

And have fun doing it.

But branch off into contemporary things surrounding you too. Go out to hear lots of live music. As much as your budget allows. To me that's the real key to appreciating and loving jazz and improvised music. Hear the greats in performance. Hear the near-greats. Heck, go and hear the lounge band down the street... You never know where beauty may surface.

It's a great adventure. Enjoy! "Seek and Listen" as Rahsaan Roland Kirk said.

Is 14 a bit young to go out to Jazz Clubs? Anyway yeah, Kirk never lies - I'd better go and listen to live to get a real flavor of jazz improv!

Although I made this thread it's a real gem just to store artists for those 'new' to jazz

[Guest Bill Barton]

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

Very good advice here!

And have fun doing it.

But branch off into contemporary things surrounding you too. Go out to hear lots of live music. As much as your budget allows. To me that's the real key to appreciating and loving jazz and improvised music. Hear the greats in performance. Hear the near-greats. Heck, go and hear the lounge band down the street... You never know where beauty may surface.

It's a great adventure. Enjoy! "Seek and Listen" as Rahsaan Roland Kirk said.

Is 14 a bit young to go out to Jazz Clubs?

Fake moustaches were known to do wonders in the old days but, yeah, probably better stick to all-ages concerts at colleges, universities and so on. No doubt some of the U.K. members can suggest possible venues.

Anyway yeah, Kirk never lies - I'd better go and listen to live to get a real flavor of jazz improv!

Although I made this thread it's a real gem just to store artists for those 'new' to jazz

[The Rep]

Good for you. I didn't mean to imply that there was anything wrong with formal study (it probably read like that). Just that you don't have to start with the history to enjoy the music as a whole. Though as with everything, you eventually have to explore the history if you want to 'understand' it.

'Kind of Blue' will never lose its magic, you'll be pleased to know.

One thing you might try is working out from the musicians on that album. Try 'In a Silent Way' or 'ESP' for a different Miles Davis (or one of his orchestral collaborations with Gil Evans - you might find 'Stetches of Spain' interesting). Bill Evans' Village Vanguard records from around the same time are pearls too.

It's for GCSE so it's a must do Alright I'll give those a listen - sounds good man

If you're just getting started, alot of the artists you mentioned have a wealth of material that you can't possibly have completely listened to/digested. I'd take a few of the bigger names - Louis Armstrong, Duke, Miles Davis, and Coltrane, and explore their whole history. You could almost spend a a lifetime just exploring their works, and seeing how they evolved.

Very good advice here!

And have fun doing it.

But branch off into contemporary things surrounding you too. Go out to hear lots of live music. As much as your budget allows. To me that's the real key to appreciating and loving jazz and improvised music. Hear the greats in performance. Hear the near-greats. Heck, go and hear the lounge band down the street... You never know where beauty may surface.

It's a great adventure. Enjoy! "Seek and Listen" as Rahsaan Roland Kirk said.

Is 14 a bit young to go out to Jazz Clubs? Anyway yeah, Kirk never lies - I'd better go and listen to live to get a real flavor of jazz improv!

Although I made this thread it's a real gem just to store artists for those 'new' to jazz

A friend of mine, Phelon Burgoyne, played drums at Ronnie Scotts for the NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra) and he is the great age of 15 years.

[DaxWax]

A friend of mine, Phelon Burgoyne, played drums at Ronnie Scotts for the NYJO (National Youth Jazz Orchestra) and he is the great age of 15 years.

Wow he must be pretty decent then

Yeah I do Royal College (for violin) on Saturdays, was thinking of joining the Jazz Ensemble as well though Would be pretty good!

[medjuck]

If you like All Blues, check out Oliver Nelson's The Blues and the Abstract Truth.