Jazz can calm you and lift your mood, but the famous brain scans studied players, not listeners. Here is what the research shows and where it stops short.
Used jazz LP plays worse than its grade? Log each defect against the listing's own words and photos, message the seller in the return window, then escalate.
Compare Blue Note Tone Poet and Classic Vinyl reissues by mastering, pressing plant, jacket and price, then learn how to pick by album and check every copy.
Most vintage jazz vinyl you can actually buy is a later pressing. Learn when a 1970s or 1980s copy is the smart buy and when the original is worth the...
Four Jazz at Massey Hall vinyl editions, two bass tracks. See which fits you: the Danish Debut, the OJC, the Prestige 2LP with the Powell trio, or Craft Hot House.
Bought a jazz reissue that turned out grey market? Here are the five checks a collector runs on covers, labels, credits and deadwax before spending $25.
Both Blue Note reissue series are Kevin Gray cuts, so why does Tone Poet cost more? A collector explains the plant, jacket and title differences for new buyers.
Come from metal, punk, R&B or hip-hop? Skip the one-size starter list and find the jazz door that fits: fusion, soul-jazz, jazz-funk, mellow or deep end.
Start with Mingus Ah Um, then Blues and Roots, Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus and Black Saint, with a collector's advice on which copy of each to buy.
Not sure where to start with Thelonious Monk? Begin with Monk's Dream, then Monk's Music, Brilliant Corners, solo Monk and live Monk, in that order, on vinyl.
Already own Kind of Blue? Follow its players to Blue Train, Somethin' Else and Portrait in Jazz, and learn how to buy an honest, well-graded copy of each.
Learn to narrow any jazz LP on Discogs by Master Release, format, country, year and runout, then check sales history and seller grading before you buy.
Start with one Art Blakey record, then follow its sidemen. Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard lead you through hard bop, one clean copy at a time.
Start with Everybody Digs Bill Evans, then Portrait in Jazz, Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby, and buy each one as a clean single LP.
Not sure where to start with Miles Davis on vinyl? Pick by taste: Relaxin', Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain, In a Silent Way or Bitches Brew, then buy smart.
