I love jazz because it is the most natural form of human expression. Totally improvised just like conversation. I was first exposed to jazz by my girlfriend when I was 17. And then I became so hungry for jazz that she couldn't stand me anymore. I met Zoot Sims, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Carmen McRae, Joe Morello, Nick Brignola, and Jimmy Heath. The best show I ever attended was Nick Brignola and Petrus. The first jazz record I bought was by Count Basie. My advice to new listeners is to listen to the bass player and you will hear all the music that surrounds it.