I've been very pleased with The Eminent J.J. Johnson, Volumes One and Two. I was raised by two trombonists, so it sounds like home to me. The recording quality is also excellent.

i might also suggest bill evans, especially his recordings from 1950's and 1960's. most were excellent recordings and are very easy to listen to. i remember reading a critic describing his playing like a poet reading a poem. i agree. also if you need label suggestions, most verve, concords, riverside recordings of jazz are usually well done and/or very listenable. enjoy the journey!

Might I suggest some Miles Davis ........

Some Day My Prince Will Come and Porgy and Bess.

The "John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman" CD

"Kind of Blue", of course, and you might try "Sketches of Spain". Chet Baker, another trumpeter, may also be a possiblity, although his vocals may be an acquired tasted. If you like female vocals, then any Ella Fitzgerald, or vibes, then try Modern Jazz Quartet. Check out guitar based jazz, such as groups led by Jim Hall. This should give you a start.

Quote:
The "John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman" CD

That disc is so good I can't believe it hasn't had 100 audiophile re-issues.

That disc is 10/10 good.

Great post!

Oh, jeez, I forgot to list some!

OK...

"Laid back" possibilities.

Kind of Blue is, as mentioned, a classic.

Ben Webster, "Gentle Ben."

Vince Guaraldi's "Black Orpheus."

Cannonball Adderly, "Somethin' Else." Not fully laid back, but not too "lively," either.

Chet Baker Sings (1956) (Pacific Jazz) or Baker's Holiday: Plays & Sings Billie Holiday (1965) (EmArcy) may be good intros to Chet Baker. I bet others here may have even better Chet ideas, but those two jumped to mind.

Billie Holiday, "Songs for Distingue Lovers" is pretty laid back, and has Ben Webster playing on it!

J.J. Johnson Quintet and Boppers
Sonny Rollins Quartet
Modern Jazz Quartet
Miles Davis
Thelonius Monk
Milt Jackson
Paul Desmond
Jerry Mulligan
Chet Baker
Art Farmer
Art Blakey
Charles Mingus
Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet
John Coltrane
Ahmad Jamal
Chick Corea
Blossom Dearie
Dinah Washington
Ella Fitzgerald

When I get home I'll get you disk titles.

another suggestion to find out what you like/don't like is try the playboy jazz collection on concord record label. it has quite a variety of artists from all walks of jazz so you can try a jazz buffet at a very affordable price.