Smooth Jazz Anyone?

[peejay]

Well, this genre either has people screaming 'Elevator Music', or when the mood is right, or even when it isn't, has them sliding into a zone which takes a lot to be released from - and that's a good thing, by the way - not like CPR...
So, from my first Kenny G album, I knew I was hooked. Tracks like 'Esther' blew me away. David Sanborn followed, and close behind him George Howard, and Kirk Whalum.
Mainly dominated by saxophonists, I think this genre is much maligned, because it is generally well produced when cut to disc, and seems to encourage immense collaboration on individual productions across the spectrum of artists.
Agree/Disagree? Who's your favourite? Do you care?

[tomsi42]

Well, this genre either has people screaming 'Elevator Music', or when the mood is right, or even when it isn't, has them sliding into a zone which takes a lot to be released from - and that's a good thing, by the way - not like CPR...
So, from my first Kenny G album, I knew I was hooked. Tracks like 'Esther' blew me away. David Sanborn followed, and close behind him George Howard, and Kirk Whalum.
Mainly dominated by saxophonists, I think this genre is much maligned, because it is generally well produced when cut to disc, and seems to encourage immense collaboration on individual productions across the spectrum of artists.
Agree/Disagree? Who's your favourite? Do you care?

I am not into the saxophone smooth jazz thing; for me smooth jazz is female singers like Diane Krall, Silje Nergaard, Lizz Wright.

Not that I have anything against the sax - I love it when it is used in blues and rock. And there is a Kenny G album (Collection) on my slimserver...

From Europe there are two sax players that I guess could be called smooth: Candy Dulfer and Bodil Niska.

Tom

[jjazz]

I almost listen to jazz exclusively. A large part of the jazz community doesn't see smooth jazz as 'real' jazz. Sadly this is primarily because of what many labels force quality musicians into and what most local jazz stations play. There are many great smooth jazz albums that don't fit the mold of the stereotypical smooth jazz sound. I have personally talked with Kirk Whalum and others about this on a few occassions and they feel like a lot of people would listen to more jazz if they knew more about it and took a real interest in jazz as a whole. Again, people generally only know or associate jazz by what they hear on the radio or in elevators. Jazz is much more than this. I would suggest expanding your collection and exploring the genre in more depth and find out the many sides of the Jazz world. Jazz is America's art form.

Here are a few suggestions (other sax players) that you may like based on the others you mentioned:
Grover Washington Jr., Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Michael Lington

Some other sax players:
Michael Brecker (Fusion/Modern Jazz) I think "Tales from the Hudson" is a great starting point for his music and one of my favorites (Sadly he just passed away about a week ago)
John Coltrane (Cool Jazz/Post Be-Bop) I would suggest Miles Davis "Kind of Blue". This features Coltrane and is a staple in any jazz listeners collection. There are tons of Coltrane albums and many will argue which ones are best, but here are few of the more popular ones: Giant Steps, Blue Train, Crescent, My Favorite Things
Kenny Garrett (Modern Post Bop) Not to be confused with Kenny G, Try "Happy People". Features Marcus Miller on bass.

You can listen to clips on Amazon. I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare everyone Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

[peejay]

I almost listen to jazz exclusively. A large part of the jazz community doesn't see smooth jazz as 'real' jazz. Sadly this is primarily because of what many labels force quality musicians into and what most local jazz stations play. There are many great smooth jazz albums that don't fit the mold of the stereotypical smooth jazz sound. I have personally talked with Kirk Whalum and others about this on a few occassions and they feel like a lot of people would listen to more jazz if they knew more about it and took a real interest in jazz as a whole. Again, people generally only know or associate jazz by what they hear on the radio or in elevators. Jazz is much more than this. I would suggest expanding your collection and exploring the genre in more depth and find out the many sides of the Jazz world. Jazz is America's art form.

Here are a few suggestions (other sax players) that you may like based on the others you mentioned:
Grover Washington Jr., Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Michael Lington

Some other sax players:
Michael Brecker (Fusion/Modern Jazz) I think "Tales from the Hudson" is a great starting point for his music and one of my favorites (Sadly he just passed away about a week ago)
John Coltrane (Cool Jazz/Post Be-Bop) I would suggest Miles Davis "Kind of Blue". This features Coltrane and is a staple in any jazz listeners collection. There are tons of Coltrane albums and many will argue which ones are best, but here are few of the more popular ones: Giant Steps, Blue Train, Crescent, My Favorite Things
Kenny Garrett (Modern Post Bop) Not to be confused with Kenny G, Try "Happy People". Features Marcus Miller on bass.

You can listen to clips on Amazon. I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare everyone Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Thanks jjazz, wow, how do you get to talk with Kirk Whalum on a regular basis? I have a couple of his albums - masterful stuff. I did forget to mention others like Richard Elliot, Vince Guaraldi Trio, Vince Jones, Chris Standring, George Benson (more pop in his later stuff?) and Grover Washiington Jr, all who get played regularly from my collection as well. Thanks for your recommendations, I'll check out a few of those names. Cheers

[JJZolx]

Yes, smooth jazz is much maligned. But for good reason, IMO.

One player in that genre that I actually enjoy is Ken Navarro. His playing and tone have enough of an edge to make the music enjoyable, even though the material is often pretty forgetable.

http://kennavarro.com

[Mike Anderson]

I hear it goes great with mayonnaise. :^)

[stinkingpig]

Vince Guaraldi, Stan Getz, and Miles Davis are about it for
instrumental jazz here. I do really like classic vocal jazz, I'm
listening to Louis Armstrong right now. Ella Fitzgerald and Billie
Holiday are favorites as well.

--
"I spent all me tin with the ladies drinking gin,
So across the Western ocean I must wander" -- traditional

[smc2911]

There are tons of Coltrane albums and many will argue which ones are best, but here are few of the more popular ones: Giant Steps, Blue Train, Crescent, My Favorite Things

I'd add A Love Supreme.

[jjazz]

I'd add A Love Supreme.

One of my favorite albums. The only reason I didn't list that is because many people who are new to jazz and/or Trane find it to be a bit abstract.

[jjazz]

Thanks jjazz, wow, how do you get to talk with Kirk Whalum on a regular basis? I have a couple of his albums - masterful stuff. I did forget to mention others like Richard Elliot, Vince Guaraldi Trio, Vince Jones, Chris Standring, George Benson (more pop in his later stuff?) and Grover Washiington Jr, all who get played regularly from my collection as well. Thanks for your recommendations, I'll check out a few of those names. Cheers

Kirk comes around the area I live quite often so I've been to many shows and we've chatted several times afterwards and through the web. A lot of artists are very in touch with their fans through their personal sites and, more recently, myspace. Most are very responsive.

I really like Vince Guaraldi. I think anyone who grew up watching Charlie Brown has an inherent appreciation for him and his music. Cyrus Chestnut has a great version of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'. A must have for those with a Christmas collection. The best piano player I've ever seen is Michel Camilo. Check out 'Live at the Blue Note' Wow! The only U.S. venue I know he frequents is the Blue Note in NY. I would highly recommend seeing him. Actually, I would recommend seeing anyone one that you like at a live venue. 99% of this time it tops any CD that you have. You never know if you'll get another chance. I met Grover Washington, Jr. for the first time 2 months before he died. What a great guy.

George Benson is a great guitar player. I tend to appreciate his earlier albums better. I've seen him like once and it's really amazing how he sings and plays the same melodies. As a seasoned musician I can tell you that it is very difficult to do that.

This is a great thread, I love jazz.