Jazz. Try it. You might like it.

I'm the first to admit that jazz - true improvisational jazz, not smooth jazz, jazz-lite - can be an acquired taste. A bit like opera: you either get it or you don't. Real jazz can be confusing, alienating, challenging to eardrums that are used to rhyming lyrics, A-B-A-B arrangements, 4 chords and a hook. Sometimes you can tap your foot to jazz. Sometimes.

There are so many different flavors of jazz, however, and you're bound to find one that appeals to you. If I can offer a word of advice, I'd say that you need to experience jazz music in a live setting before you'll develop much of an interest in the recordings. Watching and listening to the creative interplay of jazz musicians is thrilling and once you appreciate it, you'll hear the recordings in a whole new light.

We have amazing local jazz talent in the Chicago area. One ensemble I would highly recommend is Wertico, a group of musicians centered around award-winning drummer Paul Wertico. Beyond Wertico's group projects, all of these musicians are worth seeking out for their own concerts and recordings as well. Look for names like John Moulder and - insert disclaimer here - my very good friends Brian Peters and Nick Bisesi.

Check out Wertico's events page and you'll find three opportunities to hear these extraordinary talents live this December. But if you're feeling brave enough to try this at home, check out Wertico's StereoNucleosis from our collection. The colors and textures on this album are remarkable. Every "song" transports you to a different space and perspective, from a driving downpour in "We Needed the Rain" to the lyrical meditation of "What Would The World Be." I can't list any "standout" tracks because the whole thing is so good.

I sometimes find jazz difficult. I LOVE the album StereoNucleosis. Maybe you will, too?