Why Doesn't Contemporary Jazz Get Any Respect?

Interesting thread. But the true question should be; Why Doesn't JAZZ Get Any Respect?! When was the last time you saw a Jazz segment on an awards show? Where are all the Jazz stations on radio? Why are Jazz clubs so hard to find? IMO Jazz can be compared to Classical in that it's barely being exposed to the youth and that results in a music that's fanbase continues to dwindle with each passing generation. I find that the majority of Jazz discussed here AND at jazz sites I hang at almost always are discussing music played decades ago. So on top of an uncaring general public, the people that DO enjoy the genre are usually digging music by artists that are dead. I'd never deny the greatness of classic Jazz, but the difficulty in being a successful musician playing Jazz was also one of the primary reasons "Smooth" flourished as it did. How else can you explain people like Herbie Mann, Michael Brecker, and Sonnie Fortune making records featuring electronic beatboxes? It's a sad state of affairs but I'm not concerned for myself, I know what I like and I'm not worried about 'scratching my itch' anytime during my lifetime. But my 12-yr old niece doesn't understand vinyl, certainly doesn't get large audio rigs, and can't name a single Jazz artist. What's it gonna be like 50 yrs from now?

And if, like me, you have a true passion for sub-genres like Latin Jazz or Fusion.....fuhgedaboudit!!!

While I'd NEVER put John McLaughlin And Smooth Jazz in the same sentence (although I just did!;), I'd agree about the sound of his guitar in his last few recordings being entirely too processed and sterile. John's most smokin' recording was done with the instantly recognizable sound of a Gibson Les Paul, 'Inner Mounting Flame'! I'd love to hear him (and all the others who've abandoned it) get back to their roots!!

Jazz-Lovers Take Heed!! A few weeks ago NARAS decided to cut/get rid of quite a few categories from the Grammy awards. One of the genres chopped was my favorite music; Latin Jazz! I realize there aren't many fans here but cutting Latin Jazz further marginalizes ALL Jazz within the context of the Grammys. A knee-jerk reaction would be to think; "who cares about the Grammys, they're irrelevant!", and you'd largely be right. While this decision doesn't affect MY listening or buying habits, I can't help but think by further limiting the already tiny amount of exposure Jazz (ANY kind) gets doesn't bode well for the future of the music. Doesn't affect US NOW, but how about our grandchildren?

The Grammys have decided MY Jazz is irrelevant, how long before they come after YOURS!?

"There are just a few still worthy of the name Jazz player or bluesman. Once they pass on, that's it folks. We can all snooze then. And don't get me started on gospel, R&B or country."

Brother, all I can say about this astoundingly naive statement is; you're 150% wrong! It stands to reason that if you think a genre of music is dead/dying, you're probably not actively looking for new music within the genre. While I'd agree that POPULAR Jazz, Gospel, R&B, and Country is practically unlistenable, as far as Jazz is concerned, there's such a wealth of great music being created here and abroad. Sorry dude, yr proclamation simply sounds ignorant. And I say this with all due respect!;)

"Oh, come on now, It wasn't THAT naive."

Um, yeah it was. Your witty remarks suggest that you know all you're ever gonna know. I could write a very, very long list of extraordinary Jazz but I doubt you'd pay any attention to it. The fact that you don't seem to be aware of the wealth of Jazz currently being created tells me everything I need to know about your knowledge on the subject.

A man that thinks he knows it all doesn't know very much at all.
-shakin' my head in wonder-

Your opinion about Jazz pretty much jives with that other pearl of wisdom you dropped in the Muddy Waters thread; "The social conditions that produced the Blues no longer exist." Spoken like a true caucasian! I bet there might be a few people of color that might disagree with you!

So, according to you, there isn't anything noteworthy being created currently in either the Blues or Jazz Genres?! I'll say it a little more gently this time, seeing as how you've got your panties all in a bunch, you might want to do a little homework before making your blanket statements.

I hate these cyber-pissing contests, I usually refrain from engaging but god forbid someone who doesn't know any better actually buys what your selling!

"Music is History. if you don't understand that, then we will never see eye to eye."

OK, against my better instincts, I'll play. You seem to refer to 'history' a lot in your posts. Music HAS history, music CAN be historic. To suggest music IS history suggests that it's over. Based on the opinions you've expressed here and elsewhere it may very well be possible that music IS over, for you. Understand that I'm not trying to see eye to eye with you, I know what I know. Each time you post it becomes more apparent that you're really not the musicologist you think you are.

I know that a large percentage of audiophiles are older guys that primarily listen to the music of their past, absolutely nothing wrong with that. My love of music pulls me in a different direction, a direction where music is ageless and youthful creativity and energy exists in abundance.

Waiting for that rapier-sharp wit of yours to manifest itself!;)