Smooth jazz

Smooth jazz is generally described as a subset of jazz that combinines instruments (and, at times, improvisation) traditionally associated with its parent genre and stylistic influences drawn from, among other sources, funk, pop and R&B. Since the late 1980s, it has become highly successful as a radio format; one can tune in to a "smooth jazz"-themed station nearly everywhere in the United States. Despite its apparently large following, there has been something of a backlash against the genre, mostly from jazz purists who consider its recordings bland and overly commercial.

Radio

Smooth jazz as a radio format has its roots in the construction of what were once called "beautiful music" stations, which generally played fifteen-minute sets consisting of instrumentals bookending a vocal song or two. "Smooth jazz" has gone on to be recognized as a successful radio format, first emerging in name in the mid- to late-1980s (often, they would be transitioned from existing "new age" stations) and subsequently spreading into most radio markets within the United States and many without. Currently prominent smooth jazz stations include Seattle's KWJZ, Los Angeles' KTWV and New York's CD101.9.(Which has currently been featuring Chill Music).

Related Topics:
Radio format - Beautiful music - 1980s - New age - KWJZ - KTWV - CD101.9

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The popularity of smooth jazz in major American radio markets has let to a proliferation of station-sponsored music festivals around the country where a number of the genre's performers play shows on the same stage throughout a day. They are usually held at high-profile locations such as resort hotels or wineries.

Related Topics:
Music festivals - Resort hotels - Wineries

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• see also: Smoothjazz.com Smooth & Soul radiojazzplus.com