When I thought of smooth jazz, the artists that came to mind were Peter White, Chris Botti, and Boney James to only name a few. However, when listening to the primary local "smooth jazz" radio station, I get somewhat confused.
On the play list today, the station included tunes from the Doobie Brothers, Toni Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Taylor Dayne, Average White Band and Pussycat Dolls (I will have to check them out, I never heard of them).
Although I do not object to anything on this play list, it made me stop and think. In an attempt to soothe my curiosity, I fired up Wikopedia, and this is how smooth jazz is defined (as of April 12, 2008):
"Smooth jazz, also sometimes referred to as new adult contemporary music, is generally described as a genre of music that utilizes instruments (and, at times, improvisation) traditionally associated with jazz and stylistic influences drawn from mostly R&B, but also funk and pop."
One anonymous critic obviously is not impressed with the type of music, no matter how wide the variety, when he cited that "smooth jazz as a genre is like just random pop musings with no real focus or purpose or anything... A good description of 'smooth' jazz" is elevator music. It's soft and boring and unoffensive... perfect for older people." I wholeheartedly disagree with him, but it further describes just how confusing the term can be.
Perhaps "smooth jazz" is similar to the term "oldies" in the sense that, as the years progressed, the play list grew along with them. At one point in time, I considered oldies as music from the 50's and 60's; perhaps up to the onset of the psychedelic era. It was not long before Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin joined the ranks.
If you are more confused now, then you are with me. Perhaps it is best to simply enjoy the music and appreciate all the different styles that we are blessed with - regardless of what he, she or they decide to call it.
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