"Throughout its history, the smooth jazz genre that saxophonist Dave Koz helped pioneer has been criticized for having predictable melodies and lack of improvisational complexity. Branford Marsalis called it "music to have a barbecue by," while music critics have dismissed it as a watered-down version of jazz fusion. While that may or may not be true, there's no denying that the exceedingly mellow crossover genre has earned the non-ironic admiration of numerous contemporary artists."
"And then there's Bob James's "Nautilus," a 1974 B-side that the smooth jazz godfather considered a "throwaway tune." It's since been sampled by more than 350 artists, ranging from Missy Elliot and Ghostface Killah to Beyonce and Run D.M.C. Even rap enfant terrible Tyler the Creator has said he wants to make a "smooth-ass jazz album." "Everything is cyclical," says Koz, who has himself appeared on the Foo Fighters' Concrete and Gold album and performed alongside them at a sold-out Madison Square Garden concert."
Smooth jazz, pioneered by saxophonist Dave Koz, faces recurring criticism for predictable melodies and limited improvisational complexity, sometimes labeled 'music to have a barbecue by' or a watered-down jazz fusion. The exceedingly mellow crossover sound nonetheless draws admiration from mainstream artists across genres: Kanye West hired Kenny G, Gorillaz recruited George Benson, and Bob James's 1974 B-side 'Nautilus' has been sampled by more than 350 artists. Tyler the Creator has expressed interest in making a smooth jazz album. The Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour has run annually for 28 years, featuring changing lineups focused on artists with heart, soul and warmth.
Read at Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly
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