In the so-called jazz/fusion area if you sell a lot of records like most of the artists you mentioned than the critics do not like that - if they can bring someone obscure into the limelight they like that than when they sell they go for the kill and critize them for sappy music. Older jazz artist - they respect those because if they don't than they die as a reviewer. I mean who would critize Miles Davis and Duke ellington.
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