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Originally Posted by twister002
The living artists all seem to be leaning towards the "smooth jazz" genre.
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This is not true. To anyone considering seeking out jazz by living artists, know that there is plenty of music that is not "smooth jazz."
Roachboy's list is pretty great and there are many younger artists who are creating original and exciting music all the time.
Oh yeah, and the moment you call something inaccessible it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. There are more people willing to try new and challenging things than most people (and especially musicians) thought. Now that the mega-labels are on the way out, I think we'll see a lot less pandering to the lowest common denominator and more savvy music lovers seeking out what they find interesting. The performers will become more connected to their audience.
I've recently experienced a lot of things which are showing me this perspective. One of the most recent and inspiring things I've been able to find is Robin Eubanks' podcast, available free through iTunes and his website:
http://www.robineubanks.com/
Robin shows us quite the opposite of the starving artist/tortured genius stereo-type that the image of the jazz musician often conjures, and also conveys a sense that the music is
not inaccessible. I hope some of you check it out 'cuz it's super cool.