Who are the most popular jazz artists?

Who are good jazz composers/artists?

• Who are good jazz composers/artists? I've been thinking about getting some jazz cds for my ipod. Problem is, I don't know who the good artists are, anyone have any ...show more

• Answer:

  Nice, you got to feed your iPod good music, and at least a little Jazz is absolutely necessary. I'll give you some recommendations for a couple of people you might want to start with and then some album suggestions too. Artists: Miles Davis--trumpet--I'm a huge Miles fan, so maybe that's affecting this recommendation but..."so what?" Miles played with so many different artists and for such a long time that listening to him will help you understand the Jazz scene of the time periods. John Coltrane--tenor saxophone--Everybody listens to Coltrane, and they should!! He's probably the most influential saxophonist of all time and one of the most interesting musicians for his personality and musicianship. Thelonious Monk--piano--Musician to the highest degree. Absolute genius. You have to put some Monk on the ol' iPod. Art Blakey--drums--He played with so many musicians that he influenced a lot of people and every drummer listens to him. Albums: "Kind of Blue"--Miles Davis--1959--Columbia--Please, please make this your first CD. I heard someone on Answers say that if aliens came down from space today and asked for one good reason that the human race shouldn't be exterminated, "Kind of Blue" would save us. I agree. The best selling Jazz album ever, and in my opinion the best album ever recorded. Please, please get this one "Blue Train"--John Coltrane--1957--This is a good introduction to Coltrane with some classic tunes on it. Coltrane has some really difficult things to listen to, but this is a great start. He's an amazing musician and performer. This band was really hot. Lee Morgan is amazing. Really good second album. "Monk & Coltrane"--Thelonius Monk--1957--I may be giving you too much Coltrane, but this album is really heavy. You can really hear how much Monk influence Coltrane and just Monk's pure talent and genius on display. I hope this helps, keep listening, AE