Message 3 of 143

The Case Against Smooth Jazz

Life is not smooth or always played in G Major. Life is about tension and release, just as a suspended chord creates musical tension. Also, whether it's country, rock and roll or jazz, the best music is blues based. Smooth jazz has none of these attributes. One cannot sit and eat a whole bowl of sugar or sweet things, the main ingredient of smooth jazz. And there is a certain level of predictability/sameness to smooth jazz that inevitably bores the more sophisticated listener. It is "safe" music, never challenging or eliciting any other emotion than happiness. I'm sure you "smoothies" agree that there are more emotions to life than happiness. Come over to straight ahead jazz and give your emotions a tumble.
GeneOrndorff's profile
Right on! Biggest problem about smooth "jazz" is that it is not jazz, a fact not understood by the mass of younger people who were not raised and grounded in a time when jazz was real, essential, soulful, and had great depth. Unfortunately, with the death of we grey hairs, follows the death of true jazz.

mbsjazz
mbsjazz's profile

over 2 years ago
Exactly! Smooth jazz is NOT jazz. I, also, am a straight-ahead jazz person. Aren't many of us left, unfortunately. I have a huge, comprehensive jazz collection of over 800 LPs, over 150 cassettes, and another 200 CD's. Was saddened by the passing of Herb Ellis a while ago, as I know the others who have posted are. We just have to continue to spread the word...........all we can do. So nice to know there are others who feel as I do.
JazzQueen's profile

about 1 year ago
I see "smooth jazz" as oatmeal for the brain, it's already digested for you. And for sure, it is not jazz.
pablokpaso's profile

about 1 year ago
Can you imagine Jackie McLean what would think about this sugar water music? Where are the Gene Ammons', Sonny Stitt's? Yes there is a lot of anger in rap, but nothing to compare with the drive and passion of bebop. How about the next Clifford Brown? Nothing sadder than watching a true art form wither away.
GeneOrndorff's profile

about 1 year ago

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