Well since Nigel just listed a good chunk of my favorite players and groups, I guess I must be a 'smooth jazz' lover too (although I do agree with Donny on one point - that there is "good and bad in all music"). In fact, I like most forms of jazz with the possible exception of Dixieland and early Swing (big band or small group). Although I'm not a big fan of Big Band (with the exception of those great Count Basie bands - remember 'Count Basie Swings, Sinatra Sings' or all those memorable tracks with Joe Williams on vocals - also, he's my cousin on my Fathers side - honestly), they are unbelievable fun to play in (I played trumpet and horn in high school and college).

Although not as complex (and therefore more accessible) as traditional jazz (as exemplified by 'trane, Bird, Miles, Chick, et al), it still contains the main ingredients of good jazz, that is, rhythm, sophisticated chord structure, improvisation, and a degree of difficulty that weeds out the 'pretenders'.

Although I love Blues, I sometimes struggle with certain forms of it (like real authentic 'Mississippi Delta' or Zydeco). I think it's because of it's primitive roots that predate conventional musical rules. However, if Bo Didley can squeeze a 50yr career out of playing just ONE chord , I guess there's SOMEthing to it.

Hey, this is so far off script; so far only John C., Montunoman, and Brickboo have been able to stay on topic. Oh well, it IS Synthzone.



chas