Fourplay ...yes please Jazz CD

I don't consider smooth jazz as "Jazz". I prefer the Hard Bop and Bop era. However, my Sister gave me the Fourplay "Best of ..." CD for Christmas several years ago. It remained sealed until about a week ago. She listens to Rippingtons, Manhattan Transfer, Spyro Gyra, etc., and assumed that I'd like it. I scanned through each song, not expecting much, then came upon track 3 and played it TWICE. (This is coming from a guy with over 4,000 1950's jazz records!) The title is "Higher Ground", a song made famous by Stevie Wonder, featuring Take 6. I found it a fairly decent recording, funky, and fun to listen to. I can't stand the other 11 songs, but was pleased to find one worth listening to.

I'm not buying any of their other CD's though ...

Smooth jazz has it's place. In elevators, in up-scale stores, in malls, as background music. Just my most humble opinion, of course. Remember, I'm the guy that found one listenable song on a Fourplay CD!

You may have missed my point, Tireguy. I don't mind Smooth Jazz while riding in an elevator or as background music while walking through a Casino in Lost Wages. In fact, it is relaxing. But during a listening session? No way. That's when you bring out the Hank Mobley, Ben Webster, and Grant Green, (sending Kenny G back to the shopping mall). Remember, this is just my opinion. (And I did find ONE listenable song on the Fourplay "Best ..." CD).

Too bad Jazz Talk Bulletin Board at www.jazzonline.com was shut down. This was THE place where jazz (yes, even Smooth jazz) was discussed in great detail. The majority of posters were NOT audiophiles, just jazz lovers. The truth is, smooth jazz doesn't take me to the emotional high, nor to the level that Be-Bop era music does. Considering the prices that many records from this era sell for, many others must feel the same way.

I believe that sometimes people mistake strong opinion for audio/music as snobbery. I am not a snob. I'm not trying to convert anyone to my tastes. Hell, I wish fewer folks liked Bop and Hard Bop, as it would lower the prices of rare items. You can purchase smooth jazz through Columbia House, I can't. I appologize if my past comments were taken to heart. Maybe the Smooth jazz/elevator music thing was out of line. Sorry.