Hello - Are there many Jazz professors reading forums here? I am one. I studied jazz at many colleges and went on to teach. When I was a student, all the colleges where I studied had a very similar curricula. I think that curricula is no longer sufficient. It was created in the 60's by fans of swing or bebop. I like all types of jazz, except when it is poorly executed! I mean I like Smooth Jazz too, again when well done.
Unfortunately there is a bit more flaccid smooth jazz on radio than there ever was poorly executed swing or bebop, so for that reason I understand some of the acidic criticism of Smooth Jazz. But as a genera, it is here to stay and much of it is quite good jazz, lots of very creative improvisation. Remember what Charlie Parker said "I like to play all the pretty notes." Well, the smooth jazz guys are really doing just that too. I would like to see Smooth Jazz become part of the Chicago Jazz Fest programming. At the fest this year, one could not help but notice the audience changeover when Medeski, Martin and Wood started their second tune. It is less jazz than Dave Sanborn & Chris Botti after all. I would not argue against booking a jam band, just feel that most of my colleagues argue against music that they don't like. We should be not be like Stanley Crouch, but honor the musicians who are now a part of the tradition.
Anyone else teaching jazz at a University agree with me?
- pj noxon