What is Jazz?

Yeah. And it is not only about jazz, it is about art in general. Tony Scott, an excellent musician, was, I think, one of the first jazzmen who spent most of his time abroad. Miles Davis played Agharta/Pangaea concert in Japan, John McLaughlin moved back to Europe in the late 70s though performs from time to time in the States, French director invited Miles to compose film soundrack.
A number of years ago I heard a Danish jazz/rock fusion group play, and it was great, almost as good as Mahavishnu Orchestra at their best. Jazz is very popular in Poland, Scandinavia and even France. Japanese are crazy both about jazz and Spain's flamenco.
What is going on here, in the place of origin of blues and jazz?

Chazro, a few years back, during the break; I was talking to Ahmad Jamal and his musicians; they told me that after the show in Chicago they were headed to Japan. Furthermore, they told me that without Japan they couldn't survive.

Although Pat Metheny plays guitar, he is such a fantastic musician; that I don't think of him as a guitarist, the same way I don't think of Mingus as a bassist.

Pat Metheny is "very well" represented in my collection, while I don't have one, single solitary Kenny G anything.

This is one of my favorite tunes by Pat Metheney, "Are You Going With Me?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55uF_GXxIWI

Inna: nice indian music. The text refers to some sort of discussion about Indian Classical music and Flamenco. No one mentioned Jazz. Except you of course. I like indian music, some of it is mesmerizing.

Jazz players go and went overseas for the money. Why would any artist limit themselves to one country? Esp, if the people in those countries like and demand their music. I think rockers and blues guys do the same thing. Classical soloist. Most of the Jazz artist that went to Europe, esp, and primarily France, went to get away from the racism rampant in this country. Most came back later. Some didn't, and were soon forgotten in this country, but they made a nice living over there and when Americans artists toured, they would often get picked up by them for the duration of the tour. The choir at Fisk university toured Europe back in the time of Queen Victoria, and sang for her. They probably could not have performed at the white house in that day. You people need to read more. A lot of black writers, such as Richard wright and the great dancer, Josephine Baker went to live in Europe also. Social conditions in this country were the main factor, not europeans love of Jazz. I have lived there for 15 years, and I can assure you, the average european has no more appreciation of Jazz than the average American.

Most of the entries here are getting to be silly. You aren't even talking about Jazz anymore, just third world, 'we loves everybody' clap-trap. Too bad. Some of you could and need to learn something.