2. music
  3. 1010961489

Why Doesn't Contemporary Jazz Get Any Respect?

I am a huge fan of Peter White,Kirk Whalum,Dave Koz,Warren Hill,etc.I have never understood why this flavor of music gets no respect.Not only is it musically appealing,but in most cases its very well recorded.Any comparisons to old jazz(Miles Davis etc.) are ludicrous.Its like comparing apples and oranges.Can anyone shed some light on this?Any contemporary(smooth)Jazz out there?I would love to hear from you. Thanks John
krelldog
weseixas
519 posts
 
Phil ,

You should do your next album in the house, the sound, natural ambiance and the humanity of it all could be felt thru that utube clip, pleasant surprise indeed.

+10
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
I love Contemporary/Smooth Jazz. I listen to Oli Silk, Najee, Boney James,Everette Harp, Euge Groove, and a host of others. My problem is that more often than not the recordings suck!
jeff1225
172 posts
 
I think there is also an issue with tone and recording techniques. I find today's jazz to "clean." Take John McLaughin, one of my favorites. His tone on his new record has no balls and no sole. It's very "new age" which is terrible.

Gone is the Gibson hollow body and tubed Fender Classic Reverbe.
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
While I'd NEVER put John McLaughlin And Smooth Jazz in the same sentence (although I just did!;), I'd agree about the sound of his guitar in his last few recordings being entirely too processed and sterile. John's most smokin' recording was done with the instantly recognizable sound of a Gibson Les Paul, 'Inner Mounting Flame'! I'd love to hear him (and all the others who've abandoned it) get back to their roots!!
jeff1225
172 posts
 
I have EVERY pre-80's McLaughlin album and love his tone! Les Paul's, ES-335's, ETC...always awesome.His new sound is weak.

At least Santana's tone is still good, although I can't stand the music.
More to discover