Any smooth jazz fans out there?

I'm sorry I asked. If you're not a fan, then zip it and keep your classless immature opinions to yourself. You don't belong on this forum. I can't believe you would disrespect someone else's musical interest. My intention for this thread was to open a discussion about the many great artists in this genre of music. For those of you who responded with words like crap and hate, I hope the management of Audiogon throws you all off this forum. You sound like children.

To Foster_9, relax. I'm a huge fan of straight ahead jazz and have probably been listening longer than you. I have many CDs by Horace Silver, John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Freddie Hubbard, etc. Smooth jazz is just a different format, that's all. So zip it.

I appreciate the replies from those of you who are fans. Thanks for your feedback.

Wow, what a thread. My longest yet !! Thanks everyone for your support and apologies. I honestly never intended to offend anyone and I can understand where the purists are coming from. Believe me, I don't like all of the so called smooth jazz (or should we call in electric jazz). I don't care for the use of drum machines for example. I know it's part of it but I do seek out those who use live drummers for example.

I was just reaching out to those on the forum who also like the same artists to start a harmless and friendly chat. Perhaps learn a thing or two. (For example, I didn't know how influential Bob Mintzer has been and I've been a fan of the Yellow Jackets for decades. Thanks Frogman). That's all. My apologies too if I came on a bit strong. Sorry.

On a happier note, how many folks here can say they saw Horace Silver live? I did back in the 1980s at the Blue Note in NYC. Others I've seen live include Art Blakey, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Clifford Jordan, etc. Saw them all live back in the day.