Here is an interesting artist that's new to me, and I wanted to share his music.

Since this thread is about all things New Orleans, I waited for 17 hours for someone else to chime in and give you a thumbs up on Wynton, but it didn't happen; maybe you should put an add in a local newspaper to tell them about this thread.

No one can give a "strict definition" of jazz, and anyone who plays what they have determined is a strict definition of jazz will sound old fashioned, to say the least.



All those names you gave are like "steak and potatoes", it's good, but not everyday; although Mingus is the one exception I would make, that's because he's somebody different everyday.


        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdQuL1Vyy04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg5QdcqBZ0s

Jelly Roll Morton, I'm sure you have heard of him,   said, Jazz is 'a way of playing music'.
i.e.
The following were NOT Jazz tunes when written, but they are in these examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG2dsXV5HI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsz6TE6t7-A

You will know Jazz when you hear it.

Cheers

Rok, I noticed you didn't comment on the tour of St. Louis; did you miss it?