Why Doesn't Contemporary Jazz Get Any Respect?

Actually, Krelldog, we DO have a jazz station in Spokane, Washington (KEWU) that DOES play " old, tired, whiney(?)" Classic Jazz. It is quite enjoyable.

Also, I'd like to mention that it is damn tough getting tickets at the "... Jazz Alley" in Seattle whenever a tired old guy comes to play several shows. I remember Horace Silver playing 4 nights, all which were standing room only.

I understand you have a passion for smooth stuff, some of us prefer our old Jazz. Like others have mentioned here, it has more soul, more meaning to us.

As a P.S. to my above...I bought a nice "mini" system for my youngest son for his bedroom on his birthday in late November.(like I had for my oldest son when he was 7..now a Jazz trumpet player is 3 bands). As an addition to his musical birthday he was able to use the money from his Grandma in anyway he wanted. One of those "ways" was to buy the Dave Koz Christmas CD.

We fell asleep several nights with the sounds of the Dave Koz, Charlie Brown and other "Jazz" Christmas cd's.

My point?,...music is a good experience..be it Jackson Browne solo, the Planets played in NYC or Chicago..or our local "Jazz" people live here in Madison, Wi. In wanting to be a good parent and understand my children...I must remember they have understood my music....and I want to understand theirs.

I believe Ray Charles said the following:

"It's all folk music 'cause donkeys don't make music."
Those are wise words from Brother Ray, an accomplished jazz singer -- well actually he was an R&B singer, except for when he sang those C&W songs, but that's when he wasn't being a soul singer, or pop singer...and let's not forget his gospel work.

Don't get so hung up on labels. Good music is good music.

Bravo Onhwy61; It couldn't be said better, IMO. "Brother Ray" is certainly one of my long time favorites, but I also enjoy Shirly Horn, Diana Krall, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris.......... so much music, so little time. Cheers. Craig

Thanks Frank for your kind words! Cheers, Detlof