Why Doesn't Contemporary Jazz Get Any Respect?

I am in no way degrading classic jazz.I just don't understand why there is such a negative attitude towards "smooth jazz" In my humble opinion some of the "smooth jazz" artists that are popular are amongst the most talented musicians in the world."Smooth jazz is a totally different sound.It is certainly not elevator music.

Drubin- Zero emotional content? That is ironic because I have tried and tried to listen to Miles Davis,John Coltrane,and Dave Brubeck and its the most irritating sound I have ever heard.While I know its great music,I can't listen for more than 5 minutes.I guess thats the beauty of music,it comes in all different flavors.I have a vast collection of music,and I can honestly say some of my best "smooth jazz" is the most emotionally involving music I own.I guess I get a little defensive when something near and dear to me is being picked on. Peace- JM

Chelillingworth-First of all I don't think anyone considers Mariah Carey or Celine Dion smooth Jazz artists.The radio stations that play "smooth jazz" mix in light pop for a bigger audience.Thats not our fault.Second,in my area(northeastern Ohio)there is one smooth jazz station.They don't play Miles Davis,Coltrane etc.If there was a demand to hear it you can bet they would play it.You can't find classic Jazz anywhere on the dial.The reason,because there is no demand.To label all smooth jazz as uninvolving,shallow and lacking emotional depth pretty much shows us that your a close minded idiot.Face the facts,smooth jazz has alot more fans,sells alot more CD's,packs alot more concert halls,and is on alot more radio dials than that old,winey,tired,and stale crap you listen too.Send me your address,I'll burn you a CD that will knock your socks off,and make you a believer. JM

I would like to retract my"old tired winey stale"comment.Music is all about the passion and emotional effect it has on us personally.I saw Warren Hill preform locally at a small intimate club.It was nothing short of a religous experience.Nobody can tell me that it was shallow,or non involving.so I certainly can't sit here in good conscious and crack on something that might be near and dear to someone elses heart.Music has a way of evolving into different styles.Example Rock and Roll,can anyone compare Elvis and Neil Young.So why do the hard core Jazz buffs feel so insulted if someone compares Miles Davis and Rick Braun for example.The smooth jazz fans aren't being critical of the classic older Jazz.So why are they so thinned skin when it comes to smooth jazz.One last point:I am talking about artists such as Bob James,Kirk Whalum,Peter White,David Sanborn,Warren Hill,Rick Braun etc.I am not making a blanket statement,and I don't consider the pop artists that get mixed in to be smooth jazz.Lighten up,if it bothers you that much don't listen.But don't criticize the millions of fans who enjoy it.