Jazz Piano?


Alright, a few months ago I would have told you that I hate Jazz. I'm 24, I'm not supposed to like it. Problem is, my wife loves the stuff. So I'm watching MTV one day, and hear an interview with Jamie Cullum. I think, "Hey, here's something my wife will like, and something I could probably get into as well."

Turns out I love jazz piano. I've tried to listen to brass and guitar leads, but nothing hits me like piano does. Problem is, I don't have much of a collection-- none would be the more appropriate term. I need more.

So where should I start?
themadmilkman
Try going to www.accuradio.com, click on the "Jazz" tab, then choose "Piano Jazz". It's a great way to hear streaming jazz and decide on an artist/s that you may like. They have direct links to Amazon to purchase the CD. While there you can also check out other Jazz versions of Jazz. Good luck.
One of my favorites is Gene Harris, with the Three Sounds or his trio. You just can't go wrong with Gene Harris.
A great one to buy is "This One's for Blanton" by Duke Ellington and Ray Brown. Very accessible.
Coming from a rock perspective, you might try "The Bad Plus"...a piano, bass, drums trio that's comprised of young guys who play balls out. Their album "Give" is incredibly well produced. This is no lounge act piano trio. This is to piano what Hendrix was to guitar. For example, they do a version of Black Sabbath's"Iron Man", in addition to their own material. Get the idea? Interesting, challenging stuff.