Is smooth jazz really jazz?

fubar123 · 12-15-2010, 05:20 PM

Is smooth jazz a valid part of the jazz tradition?

or is not, is it a non-jazz style?

or something else?

s_k · 12-15-2010, 05:58 PM

Well it's supposed to be Jazz, but I think there's a lot of jazz that's not really jazz. Say... ST. Germain, Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones...

And there's a Jazz channel and a jazz festival in the netherlands, they both tend to have a lack of what I would call jazz and a lot of R&B.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 12-15-2010, 06:03 PM

I'd say it's a valid part of Jazz. It's built on the same principles, just geared an a specific way to meet a particular audience.

Engine · 12-15-2010, 06:25 PM

To me this is smooth jazz. I think this has been called that anyway..and yes, it's the real shit

Soft Pedal Blues by Stanley Turrentine

s_k · 12-15-2010, 06:29 PM

that's jazz. and it's smoooth.

I think what fubar means is probably more like acid jazz

Jedey · 12-15-2010, 06:51 PM

Most stuff labeled smooth Jazz isn't Jazz but instrumental Pop music for example Kenny G is not Jazz.

musiclistsareus · 12-20-2010, 05:29 PM

Most "smooth jazz" isn't as interesting as bebop or post-bop (or even big-band), to me.
It's reminiscent of elevator music, not usually offensive or memorable.

Bane of your existence · 12-20-2010, 05:44 PM

Pretty much what Flo-rida is to rap. It's jazz, often just a less cerebral, less creative, less soulful version.

BigSwede · 12-31-2010, 09:09 AM

I haven't heard much,but some of it seems like pop music with a jazz feel.

Kinda Blue · 01-02-2011, 05:49 AM

Only artist I know that can be labeled as smooth jazz is Grover Washington, Jr. I don't know whether or not it's "proper" jazz, but some of the descriptions above do fit him (or at least his album Winelight); a more pop-ish version of jazz.

12-15-2010, 05:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
fubar123 Groupie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1	Is smooth jazz really jazz? Is smooth jazz a valid part of the jazz tradition? or is not, is it a non-jazz style? or something else?

12-15-2010, 05:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
s_k Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,206	Well it's supposed to be Jazz, but I think there's a lot of jazz that's not really jazz. Say... ST. Germain, Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones... And there's a Jazz channel and a jazz festival in the netherlands, they both tend to have a lack of what I would call jazz and a lot of R&B. __________________ Click here to see my collection

12-15-2010, 06:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
s_k Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,206	that's jazz. and it's smoooth. I think what fubar means is probably more like acid jazz __________________ Click here to see my collection

12-15-2010, 06:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jedey Veritas vos liberabit Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Musicapolis Posts: 477	Most stuff labeled smooth Jazz isn't Jazz but instrumental Pop music for example Kenny G is not Jazz. __________________ My Tunes

01-02-2011, 05:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
Kinda Blue Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 92	Only artist I know that can be labeled as smooth jazz is Grover Washington, Jr. I don't know whether or not it's "proper" jazz, but some of the descriptions above do fit him (or at least his album Winelight); a more pop-ish version of jazz. __________________ lastfm My music rated

12-15-2010, 06:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,538	I'd say it's a valid part of Jazz. It's built on the same principles, just geared an a specific way to meet a particular audience.

12-15-2010, 06:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Engine air quote Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pollen & mold Posts: 3,108	To me this is smooth jazz. I think this has been called that anyway..and yes, it's the real shit Soft Pedal Blues by Stanley Turrentine

12-20-2010, 05:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
musiclistsareus Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 64	Most "smooth jazz" isn't as interesting as bebop or post-bop (or even big-band), to me. It's reminiscent of elevator music, not usually offensive or memorable.

12-20-2010, 05:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bane of your existence Such That Join Date: May 2007 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 1,197	Pretty much what Flo-rida is to rap. It's jazz, often just a less cerebral, less creative, less soulful version.

12-31-2010, 09:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
BigSwede Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 73	I haven't heard much,but some of it seems like pop music with a jazz feel.