home | bookmark this page | advanced search      artist search:   
FACT FILES
GENRES

dixieland
swing
bebop
hard bop
soul jazz
acid jazz
free jazz
cool jazz
jazz-rock fusion
modal jazz
nu jazz
latin jazz
smooth jazz
HISTORY

roots of jazz
early 20th cent.
1920s to 1950s
dev'mnt of bebop
latin jazz
jazz rock fusion
recent dev'mnts
THEORY

blue notes
syncopation
swing
call and response
polyrhythms
improvisation

Genre: Smooth Jazz

Smooth jazz is a form of jazz, often blended with R&B.

Smooth jazz developed in part from jazz fusion, and tends to emphasize melody rather than improvisation. Creed Taylor's CTI Records was especially important in the form's development in the mid-1970s. Wes Montgomery made a number of instrumental recordings of familiar pop songs aimed as much at pop audiences as at jazz fans; these records are often cited as important early smooth jazz.

Some jazz fans regard smooth jazz as a lesser form, or not as jazz at all. However, others reject these claims, noting such respected musicians as Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller and others are often classified as "smooth jazz," and that many musicians are capable of perfoming well in multiple styles.

A more popular style of smooth jazz is urban jazz, which incorporates the aspects of hip-hop. This style is aimed at audiences who would normally listen to urban contemporary radio stations that play a mix of hip-hop and R&B. Among the musicians who frequently perform urban jazz are Dave Koz, Boney James and former NBA player-turned-bassist Wayman Tisdale.


Significant Smooth Jazz Musicians

  • Boney James
  • Brian Bromberg
  • Brian Culbertson
  • Brian Hughes
  • Candy Dulfer
  • Chieli Minucci
  • Chris Botti
  • Chuck Mangione
  • Dave Koz
  • David Benoit
  • David Sanborn
  • Euge Groove
  • Fourplay
  • Gerald Veasley
  • Grover Washington, Jr.
  • Joyce Cooling
    		•
  • Kenny G
  • Larry Carlton
  • Lee Ritenour
  • Marcus Miller
  • Mindi Abair
  • Najee
  • Norman Brown
  • Pat Metheny
  • Peter White
  • Richard Elliot
  • Rick Braun
  • Sade
  • Spyro Gyra
  • Steve Oliver
  • The Rippingtons
  • Wayman Tisdale
    		•

    Related Topics - Jazz History:-
    Jazz Roots | Early 20th Century Jazz | Jazz in 1920s to 1950s | Development of Bebop | Latin Jazz | Jazz Fusion | Recent Developments in Jazz
    To link directly to this page, use the URL:-
    "http://www.peanutsjazz.com/fact-file/Genre-Smooth-Jazz.html"
    Disclaimer:- Data shown is aggregated from numerous sources. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that the data provided is correct, we cannot be held responsible for any errors. If considering purchasing a product, you are advised to confirm the details with the supplier before purchase.
    Information provided on this site is for personal and educational use only. Attempting to download pages by the use of any type of robot or similar means (other than by recognised search engines) is expressly forbidden and will result in you being barred from this site.
    Copyright © 2003-4 PeanutsJazz.com. All rights reserved.