I can not stress enough the importance of familiarity with the language of jazz. The most effective way to gain familiarity with this language is through listening.
It may seem obvious but in fact most people go about learning jazz in a very un effective way. Though grammar.
That is to say theory and scales.
This is not how we naturally learn language and it is not how we should learn jazz.
During these early stages it is important to develop a natural feel for the music. This is done through listening. Even though you can not play what you hear. You will be internalizing everything you are hearing. You will be internalizing the pulse and if you choose to sing along with the melodies and solos this will translate into your own playing as well as develop your aural skills.