Jazz for aficionados

I have to say, I have been reading this for some time and I quite enjoy the discussions. 

Jazz is my favorite music format, however, even after all these years (mine) of playing music (classical, Jazz, etc.) I have a really hard time classifying what exactly "Jazz" really is.

Initially, to me Jazz ("real Jazz") was all about improvisation.  However, I can't say that Bill Evans isn't jazz.  The Pat Matheny Group, Spyro Gyra. etc.

I'm listening (while working) to Spyro Gryra's Yosemite and realize that I still love this composition.

The list that Ghosthouse included above was a great list and sparked my interest on music that I never heard before.( John Coletrane's giant steps gets only two XX's?). ok.   I really benefit from and appreciated this type of respectful back and forth.  This is not only fun, but very informative.

I grew up (yes, I'm older) listing to music all the time. It was all over my mother's house.  Rock, Jazz, R&B, you name it. I played classical so, that was also in the mix.  Any and all music.  As long as it was good.

Take for example, the Jazz Crusaders' original version of street life, with Randy Crawford singing.  Wow!!!   I remember Robertson Audio in Los Angeles (really high end dealer) and many other dealers would use that track on vinyl to highlight what you can really hear on high end sound systems.  The information in the background you just can't hear on inferior equipment.  But the Jazz Crusaders were a staple in my neighborhood.  Joe Sample, and the crew were amazing.

Transition to Bob James music and his early stuff was/is very good.  However, since younger people didn't get into very long tracks, let alone DJs that simply wouldn't play music that lasted longer than 3 minutes (ask Pat Matheny about this issue), they transitioned over to more formulaic style of "jazz" and it started to be called "smooth Jazz".

Most of which I really don't care for.  However, I have heard some pretty good stuff.  I just wouldn't call it Jazz. 

As long as there are musicians out there that can play, and my hearing is still up to snuff, I will purchase and listen.  Love good music.  Eliane Elias also, not only great Brazillian music but she was a lover of Bill Evan's style and music.

Keep up this discussion.

This is really informative and fun.

Enjoy

Coltrane is great to me.  However, there are times where (in my opinion) he simply starts to lose his mind (and me for that matter) and goes all over the place and I can't follow him.

it's these types of correspondence that really turns me on to music I never heard.  About 30 years ago, I decided that before they all pass on, I would try to see the standard bearers of music.  Miles Davis (yes he did turn his back to the audience).  But only to conduct and communicate to the band, not to disrespect the audience as some suggested.  Shirley Horn often visited Los Angeles and I saw her each and every time.  Wow!. Ella, and many others that aren't here anymore. 

My favorite concert was at the Universal in LA to see the Pat Matheny Group (not the trio, or Pat by himself) it was a long time ago.  The best concert and music!!!  He was literally on stage for three straight hours and didn't want to stop.

If you have a vinyl rig, get the original street life from the Crusaders and sit and listen to the introduction. 

I'm going to spend some money obtaining some of the music you all suggested.

Thanks,