Smooth Jazz

Smooth jazz is a relatively young musical genre that has gained popularity in the last few decades. The genre is known for its laid-back and relaxing sound, which combines elements of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop. Though many people may view it as "elevator music," smooth jazz has a rich history and has produced many talented musicians and unforgettable songs. Smooth jazz was born out of the fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The style of music was initially referred to as "contemporary jazz," but the term "smooth jazz" was coined as a marketing label by radio stations and record companies in the 1980s. During this time, jazz music was beginning to experience a downturn in popularity, and smooth jazz became a way to attract younger listeners and revive the genre. One of the most significant contributors to the development of smooth jazz was the saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. Washington's 1980 album, "Winelight," was a critical and commercial success, and the hit song "Just the Two of Us" (featuring Bill Withers) became a crossover hit. Washington's blend of jazz, R&B, and funk influences helped create the smooth jazz sound that would become popular in the coming years. Another influential musician in the smooth jazz genre was Kenny G. Kenny G's 1986 album "Duotones" was a massive success and reached number one on the Jazz Albums chart. The album's hit song, "Songbird," propelled Kenny G to stardom and helped solidify the smooth jazz sound. Smooth jazz continued to gain popularity in the 1990s with the rise of artists such as Dave Koz, Najee, and Peter White. These musicians combined jazz, R&B, and pop influences to create a sound that was accessible to a wide audience. Smooth jazz radio stations grew in number, and the genre became a staple of adult contemporary radio. Despite its popularity, smooth jazz has faced criticism from some jazz purists who feel that the genre lacks the improvisation and complexity of traditional jazz. However, smooth jazz has been embraced by many listeners who enjoy its mellow and relaxing sound. In recent years, the popularity of smooth jazz has declined, with many smooth jazz radio stations switching to other formats. However, the genre continues to have a devoted following, and many musicians have continued to perform and record in the smooth jazz style.

Kenny G: As one of the most recognizable names in smooth jazz, Kenny G's saxophone skills have earned him numerous awards, a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and even a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records for holding a note for over 45 minutes. David Sanborn: With a career spanning over four decades, David Sanborn is known for his signature saxophone sound and collaborations with artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Bruce Springsteen. He has won six Grammy awards and is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary jazz. George Benson: A guitarist and singer, George Benson's soulful voice and smooth guitar licks have garnered him 10 Grammy awards and a place in the Jazz Hall of Fame. He has also had crossover success with pop hits like "On Broadway." Grover Washington Jr.: Known for his soulful and melodic saxophone playing, Grover Washington Jr. helped define the sound of smooth jazz in the 1970s and 1980s. He released over 20 albums and won two Grammy awards before his untimely death in 1999. Sade: Though not strictly a smooth jazz artist, Sade's sultry voice and jazzy instrumentation have made her a favorite of the genre. With hits like "Smooth Operator" and "No Ordinary Love," she has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Fourplay: Comprised of jazz veterans Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and Chuck Loeb, Fourplay has been one of the most successful smooth jazz groups of all time. They have released over 15 albums and won three Grammy awards. Al Jarreau: Al Jarreau's versatile voice allowed him to switch easily between jazz, pop, and R&B, earning him seven Grammy awards over his career. He is particularly known for his scat singing and collaborations with artists like George Benson and David Sanborn. Boney James: A saxophonist and composer, Boney James has been a mainstay of the smooth jazz scene since the 1990s. His blend of R&B, funk, and jazz has earned him four gold albums and a Soul Train Award. Chris Botti: Known for his smooth trumpet playing and collaborations with vocalists like Sting and Andrea Bocelli, Chris Botti has won multiple Grammy awards and sold over 3 million records. He often incorporates elements of classical music and pop into his jazz compositions. Earl Klugh: A guitarist known for his gentle, finger-picked style, Earl Klugh has been a fixture of the smooth jazz scene since the 1970s. He has released over 30 albums and won two Grammy awards, showing no signs of slowing down.

1. Breezin’ – George Benson 2. Winelight – Grover Washington Jr. 3. Songbird – Kenny G 4. Rendezvous – Peter White 5. Sweetest Taboo – Sade 6. Feels So Good – Chuck Mangione 7. Love Life – Brian Culbertson 8. The Girl From Ipanema – Stan Getz and João Gilberto 9. Rise – Herb Alpert 10. Saxuality – Candy Dulfer 11. Affirmation – George Benson 12. Sunny – Bobby Hebb 13. Maputo – David Sanborn 14. Morning Dance – Spyro Gyra 15. Misty – Erroll Garner 16. Anytime Anyplace – Janet Jackson 17. Smooth Operator – Sade 18. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz 19. This Masquerade – George Benson 20. Street Life – The Crusaders 21. Europa – Santana 22. Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington Jr. 23. Take Five – Dave Brubeck Quartet 24. Human Nature – Michael Jackson 25. Put It Where You Want It – The Crusaders

One notable volume on the subject is "The Smooth Jazz Reader", edited by Mark Gridley and published in 2002. This book is a collection of essays, interviews, and reviews from various contributors, examining different aspects of the Smooth Jazz phenomenon. In his introduction to the book, Gridley notes that the genre is "a musical style that embodies a wide range of forms and expressions, [with] no unifying aesthetic but a common set of practices and purposes." He goes on to suggest that Smooth Jazz has "the potential to connect with a vast audience" due to its accessibility and "harmonic consonance". In one of the essays included in the book, "Smooth Jazz and the Public Sphere", the sociologist Tia DeNora offers a critical perspective on the genre. She argues that Smooth Jazz is "unassertive and complacent", and that its lack of artistic risk-taking and political engagement make it a cultural product that reinforces the status quo. DeNora suggests that Smooth Jazz is linked to a broader "aesthetics of comfort" that values easy listening and familiarity over innovation and challenge. However, not all commentators are so critical of Smooth Jazz. In his book "Smooth Jazz: A Personal History", the journalist and broadcaster Ken Burns celebrates the genre's ability to "blend the sophistication of jazz with the ease and accessibility of pop music." Burns argues that Smooth Jazz has achieved a level of mainstream popularity because it resonates with audiences who want to enjoy "music that is familiar and comfortable but still intellectually stimulating and technically skillful." He suggests that Smooth Jazz is a genre that "reflects the complex and evolving nature of American culture", encompassing a wide range of influences and traditions. Another notable book on the subject is "Smooth Jazz Piano: Keyboard Style Series" by Mark Harrison. This instructional guide focuses on the specific techniques and musical approaches used by Smooth Jazz keyboard players, with detailed transcriptions and analysis of classic pieces from the genre. Harrison argues that Smooth Jazz piano is characterized by a "balance of melody, improvisation, and groove", and emphasizes the importance of rhythmic feel and harmony in creating the signature sound of Smooth Jazz. In the world of music criticism, there have also been many notable quotes about Smooth Jazz. The critic Nate Chinen, writing in The New York Times, described the genre as "jazz for the masses, unburdened by any sense of risk or experimentation." While this may be a somewhat negative assessment, it does acknowledge the broad appeal of Smooth Jazz and its ability to reach a wide audience. Similarly, the critic Peter Watrous, in a review for The New York Times of a concert by the Smooth Jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, noted that the performance was "graceful, careful and lovingly presented, like a warmly wrapped present."

Smooth jazz emerged during a period of economic prosperity in the United States, a time when baby boomers, who had come of age in the 1960s, were looking for music that spoke to their demographic. Smooth jazz represented a departure from the traditional jazz of the past, featuring a mellower, more polished sound that was accessible to a wider audience. The music was perfect for the times, and provided an escape from a world that was increasingly complex and fraught with change. Culturally, smooth jazz represented a convergence of various musical genres. Jazz had always been a genre associated with sophistication and class, while R&B and soul music had their roots in the African-American community. The blending of these genres resulted in a sound that was not only accessible to a wider audience, but also appealed to a broader cultural demographic. It bridged the divide between black and white audiences, and brought them together in a shared love for music. Technologically, the emergence of smooth jazz was made possible by changes in the music industry. The introduction of digital recording technology enabled producers to create a slicker, more polished sound that was ideal for the new genre. This sound was enhanced by the use of electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines, which helped create a smoother and more commercially viable sound. The advent of cable television and FM radio also provided a platform for smooth jazz to gain wider exposure. There were several notable individuals who contributed to the rise of Smooth jazz. One such person was Dave Koz, a saxophonist who was instrumental in the genre's popularity. Koz founded the Smooth Jazz Network, which was responsible for much of the music's promotion and distribution. Another prominent figure was Dave Grusin, a composer and producer who wrote and arranged many of the genre's best-known songs. Additionally, several record labels and journalists played a significant role in the development of smooth jazz. GRP Records, founded by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen, became one of the most successful labels in the genre. It was instrumental in producing several of the genre's most iconic albums. Journalists such as Joyce Cooling also helped the genre gain wider exposure by writing about it in major publications.