Once again, we’re happy to have a guest post – this one is brought to us by friend of the blog Kelly Muse, an excellent musician in his own right, and a man who, in college, I credit in awakening my own interest in Stevie Wonder and Chris Isaak. And, he knows a thing or three about jazz:

I have not done any official polling, but I think I can safely posit that jazz fans represent a very small segment of society. Of them, those that are really into jazz, and not heavily sanitized and commercial jazz (cough – Kenny G. ) are likely an even smaller segment.

I won’t imply that jazz is better than other musical genres in any way, but it is markedly different than the music most of us grew up with. We are used to basic chords and predictable patterns: four beats to a measure, linear melodies and clear cadences. Jazz revolves around constant improvisation, thick chords, and syncopated rhythms.

For that reason – a lack of familiarity – most people regard jazz as esoteric or inaccessible. I reject that characterization. I think if most people grew up around jazz, it would feel as natural as Jingle Bells or Happy Birthday. But since few of us did, I recommend a regimen of “gateway songs” – songs that straddle the line between what is familiar and what might not be. Enjoy!

The Top 5 Jazz Songs for People Who Know Nothing About Jazz

1. “So What,” Miles Davis

This is a really a vote for Miles Davis’ classic album, Kind of Blue. If you only own one jazz album, this should probably be the one.

2. “Blackbird,” Brad Mehldau

My favorite pianist, Mehldau is a master in the piano trio setting (piano, bass, drums) and has recorded a brilliant series of Art of the Trio albums. In addition to originals and old standards, he frequently covers songs by The Beatles, Radiohead and Nick Drake. His treatment of this Beatles classic works well and has a lot of improvisation without straying too far from the original.

3. “Sing a Song of Song,” Kenny Garrett

Sax master Kenny Garrett keeps it simple in this eerie ballad. Most of the song revolves around three chords, which really shows what is possible when great improvisors get together. The melody is catchy, and the ending is epic. This is a great album for those who really want to train their ears.

4. “Cantoloupe Island,” Herbie Hancock

The chances are you’ve heard this song somewhere. I can almost guarantee that you’ll get it stuck in your head. This is another vote for the whole album.

5. “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” The Bad Plus

If the term “jazz” conjures up images of smooth easy listening for you, prepare to be surprised. The Bad Plus piano trio makes as much noise as most rock bands, and this cover of Nirvana’s classic is no exception. You’ve been warned.

The Top 5 Jazz Songs for People Who Know Nothing About Jazz

What’s your gateway drug to jazz?