A kind word for Smooth Jazz

[Dr. Cheese]

I saw a local saxophonist Friday night named Tim Cunningham. I had heard of him but never saw him before tonight at a supper club show. They played Smooth Jazz, mainly instrumental versions of R&B songs except Toto’s Georgy Porgy (which is R&B too, but Toto is a “Rock” band.)

The band was top flight! They all had a ton of chops, great groove, and they all had nice solos. The music was not edgy, the musicians did not play “outside” but they were tight and funky! This was a great reminder that any music that is well executed and sincere is worthy of respect.

One more thing, the bassist was killing it on a Bass Mods five string Jazz. This is the second time I seen Bass Mods axes in action. Given their sound and reasonable price, I can see why so many funky dudes use them.

 

[BlueP]

For me, good music is not defined by genre.

It took me lots of years to understand and respect that.

I love live music and nothing better than seeing a good band.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

https://youtube.com/shorts/EtKq94axyKc?si=TBo18DTnN7F8BAhu

Here is sound sample of 38.4 seconds with no video, from the show. It sounds good through my headphones.

 

[Jefenator]

I got to back up a known SJ artist once. Listening to his album made me wish I was getting a root canal done instead.
But on the gig, that dude could really play his butt off!!
Now I'm in a local project that marches under that banner. Kind of like the time I played disco: didn't care for the learn tape, but once I got out & saw audiences digging on it, I got into it more.
You still have my permission to kill me if I ever purchase anything by Kenny G.

 

[FilterFunk]

Toto’s Georgy Porgy (which is R&B too, but Toto is a “Rock” band.)

Sounds like a great concert! I'm only quoting the part about "Georgy Porgy" because up until right now, I had NO idea that Toto did that song!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I got to back up a known SJ artist once. Listening to his album made me wish I was getting a root canal done instead.
But on the gig, that dude could really play his butt off!!
Now I'm in a local project that marches under that banner. Kind of like the time I played disco: didn't care for the learn tape, but once I got out & saw audiences digging on it, I got into it more.
You still have my permission to kill me if I ever purchase anything by Kenny G.

Kenny Gorelic was pretty good when he was in the Jeff Lorber Fusion.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I like smooth Jazz, just please don't do the cliché stuff. That said, I listened to Kenny G Live more than I care to admit.

 

[Thumpin6string]

The Youtube video says it's private so no way to listen to it.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I love me some Smooth Jazz. Rippingtons, Fourplay, Acoustic Alchemy and a whole lot more.

 

[ELG60]

It has its place, and for me, good music is good music, regardless of genre

 

[Tom Bomb]

It goes smooth, smooother, smoooothest, if you ask me

Don't listen to all the namby-pamby, ne'er-do-well name-callers. They often get it wrong. They just don't care, don't have the bottle.
​

 

[tb-player]

I like smooth Jazz, just please don't do the cliché stuff. That said, I listened to Kenny G Live more than I care to admit.

Kenny G 'Live' has a sweet Vail Johnson bass solo. I admit, I stole it and made it my guitar store riff for years.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Kenny G 'Live' has a sweet Vail Johnson bass solo. I admit, I stole it and made it my guitar store riff for years.

That solo was what I wanted a Kubicki for so long.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The Youtube video says it's private so no way to listen to it.

I will open it.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Just like Journey went commercial, some jazz musicians go for the money. Chuck Mangione was a very good jazz musician with a legit pedigree, but decided he wanted fame over "authenticity". He played with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and was director of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble.

 

[tb-player]

That solo was what I wanted a Kubicki for so long.

I actually played an X-Factor at the time. That was a fun bass.

 

[BassAndCigars]

That sounds like a perfect night out to me.
Sounds like GREAT music. I love posts like this.
Thankyou for sharing!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The Youtube video says it's private so no way to listen to it.

The video is accessible now.

 

[Space Pickle]

Love George Benson, love Grover Washington!

I yearn for one of those George Benson smooth jazz suits.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

We can learn from every genre, and there's a ton of killer bass players playing smooth jazz (Gerald Veasley comes to mind).

I've definitely enjoyed it live but never really put it on play at home