New to Jazz?
Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the scene, there's always more to discover in jazz. And if you're brand new, where do you start?
The best way in is simply to listen. A few classic albums have stood the test of time because they’re both beautiful and approachable. Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue is a favorite first stop—its melodies are spacious and inviting. John Coltrane’s Blue Train brings a soulful, searching energy, while Dave Brubeck’s Time Out shows off jazz’s playful side with unusual rhythms that are still easy to enjoy. These are recordings people keep coming back to because they feel good to hear.
Remember that jazz isn’t just history; it’s a vast world with many paths to explore. You might discover you love a smoky ballad, a hard-swinging big band, or a groove that makes you want to move. To help you get started, here are five albums that offer a welcoming entry point:
Miles Davis – Kind of Blue (1959) – Perhaps the most famous jazz album of all time, it’s cool, melodic, and timeless—an easy album to enjoy even if you’ve never listened to jazz before.
John Coltrane – Blue Train (1957) – A soulful, energetic record that captures Coltrane just as he was finding his voice; the horn lines are unforgettable.
Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out (1959) – Known for its unusual time signatures, this album makes complex rhythms sound playful and catchy.
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Ella and Louis (1956) – Two of jazz’s most beloved voices together, warm and joyful, with a chemistry that’s irresistible.
Duke Ellington – Ellington at Newport (1956) – A legendary live concert recording that reignited Ellington’s career and shows a big band at full power.
Once you’ve dipped into those, you might be ready for a next step— music that stretches jazz’s boundaries while still being deeply rewarding. Try these:
Charles Mingus – Mingus Ah Um (1959) – Bold, bluesy, and bursting with personality, this album blends gospel, swing, and social commentary into a thrilling mix.
Thelonious Monk – Brilliant Corners (1957) – Quirky and inventive, Monk’s piano playing here is full of surprises and challenges, but always fascinating.
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – Moanin’ (1958) – Hard bop at its finest, with gospel-inspired themes, powerful drumming, and a groove that’s impossible not to feel.
Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (1956) – A defining statement from one of jazz’s greatest saxophonists, combining swagger, swing, and deep lyricism.
Bill Evans Trio – Sunday at the Village Vanguard (1961) – Recorded live in a New York club, this intimate, lyrical trio set showcases the conversational magic between Evans, Scott LaFaro, and Paul Motian.
The key is to stay open, try a little of everything, and notice what sticks. Jazz is about discovery and connection, so the best place to start is wherever the music sparks something in you!
You’ve probably noticed that these are all older recordings. We’ll have a post on more recent recordings as well.
—Adapted from Boise Jazz Society Newsletter, Erin Westfall