I love jazz because it's the fundamental music of the 20th century. I was first exposed to jazz when I was 6 years old, in "Juan Les Pins" near Nice, during the Jazz summer festival. I was on my father shoulders (he was not a jazz fan but could enjoy it) and I saw Sidney Bechet and his band playing in a parade on the street. The best show I ever attended was? No answer for only one...there are many. The first jazz record I bought was probably the LP "GIANTS OF JAZZ (VOGUE Label)" around 1964 with different musiciens. My advice to new listeners: first enjoy what you like, let please your ears and then, try to understand from where it comes. The Jazz Story is a very interesting subject to explore. On mid January 2012 (more than four years ago ..time's running too fast!), I created the "Jazz Hot Club du Bassin d'Arcachon", a non profit association to share the jazz history. We give one lecture every month and today we have 89 members. Our web site is: http://www.jazzhotclub-arcachon.org