Jazz Hands

I am ambivalent about West Coast "easier" jazz. Some of it is really great -- Ritenour, Larry Carlton, for example. Other stuff from that region sometimes strikes me almost like Muzak, though that's too harsh. It's "jazz for bourgeois white people," in a way. Nothing wrong with liking what you like -- and not everything has to be Coltrane wailing away, etc. -- but for my tastes, I'd much prefer the "ease" of, say, a Kenny Barron than the schmaltz of a Bob James. But that's me.

@hilde45  +1

Well he's no Oscar Peterson but few are.   

I think his current work is a lot more interesting then 80s 90s and I appreciate those additional recommendations! I know I can probably get them sealed at local record store at lower than internet prices and certainly less shipping.

For all who wants to talk about "real jazz", please understand that all music matters. I also don't see why anyone should try to be Oscar Peterson. Being yourself is a lot better. 

@hilde45 

"West Coast easier jazz"?

"Strikes me almost like muzak"

"Jazz for white people "?

And @bigtwin 

You guys all have your head in the sand.

Bob James may not have been among the pioneers you mentioned, but he has been a legend in his own life for many years and deserves kudos for all of his accomplishments. He goes back many years but is most remembered for his Taxi tv theme, but then went on for years with the band Fourplay, a band that was very successful both creatively and commercially. And he did many solo albums as well. One that was very special was his lp, "Playing hooky", warner bros. 1997. For all of you know-it-alls about music, you don't know jack about classical. Check out his first cut on playing hooky, "playing with fire". It's an arrangement based on Chopin's "Etude in E major, opus 10, no. 3." It's genius, and he turned it into a jazz tune that was seamless.

Then Google his recent"tiny desktop concerts", where he hired some of the best young jazz musicians to accompany him. See how he still holds a candle.

Then go pound sand. Because this guy has had a career based on talent that you are all blind in seeing or appreciating.

And you should all be so lucky to be alive at his age.