Thursday, June 19, 2008

SMOOTH JAZZ

Smooth jazz, also sometimes referred to as new adult contemporary music, is generally described as a genre of music that utilizes instruments (and, at times, improvisation) traditionally associated with jazz and stylistic influences drawn from mostly R&B, but also funk and pop. Beginning in the mid 1980’s, it had become successful as a radio format; however, in 2007, the format began to show signs of losing popularity as several high-profile radio stations in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States began changing formats away from smooth jazz. There has been a backlash against the genre, mostly from jazz purists who consider the recordings bland, overly commercial and not truly jazz.

In June 2008, the Arbitron service announced formal approval of "Smooth AC" as a new descriptor for the format.

The term "Smooth jazz" seems to inspire controversy. Normal jazz purists contend that smooth jazz is, in actuality, not jazz of any kind, regarding it as a misleading marketing buzzword that represents an attempt to hijack the ostensible prestige of jazz in order to sell what is really a form of "elevator music." They consider the smooth jazz genre uninspired, lacking the depth of expression, harmonic and rhythmic sophistication, and complex improvisation that are hallmarks of traditional jazz; substituting, at times, trite and hackneyed musical phrasing. Recurring accusations charge smooth jazz with offering a watered-down sound whose aim is to appeal to a larger, mainstream, middle class white audience, though, notably, radio demographics have indicated that middle-and upper-middle class African Americans constitute what may be a significant percentage of smooth jazz listenership. Smooth jazz is still played (though decreasingly) on Muzak-style background music systems as well as telephone music on hold services, which many artists try to distance themselves from as they are seen as degrading to music.

Smooth jazz can be traced to a least the late 1960’s. The Weather Channel released its first compilation album in 2007. The Weather Channel Presents: The Best of Smooth Jazz, based on collections of popular smooth jazz music played on the Local On the 8s segment.

Smooth jazz can be passionate, relaxing, romantic, soft, erotic, exotic, melancholic, and happy. As you listen you will hear bass, guitar, saxophone, congas, keyboard, drums, flute, horn, trombone, harp, banjo, and violin.

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