What do you like most? Jazz or Classic?

I listen to more classical violin than jazz violin, but it's a stacked deck--there are so many more classical violinists to choose from and only a handful of jazzers.  Still, I regard Stephane Grapelli as an important player of his time and Jean-Luc Ponty's "Aurora" is one of my favorite fusion LP's.  I also enjoyed his stints with Mahavishnu Orch. #2 and the 1973 edition of the Frank Zappa Band.  Anyway, you'd be hard-pressed to name a dozen jazz violinists from the last 100 years without assistance, whereas the 20th century produced a bushel of great classical violinists.

Jerry worked well for Mahavishnu 1 but I don't think of him as a jazz musician--more a rocker who was able to fit into the M. Orch. fusion scheme.  J-LP was already a jazz player with modern leanings when he played with McLaughlin.  If you look at what each guy did before and after their stint with John Mc I think you'll see what I mean.
For me the notable jazz violinists are Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli, Joe Venuti and Jean-Luc Ponty.   Honorable mentions to "jazzy" players such as Sid Paige (Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks), Vassar Clements (a very bluesy/jazzy bluegrass fiddler) and Johnny Gimble (Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. ah-HA!)