How I Really Feel About Smooth Jazz

I had to go to the mall today to buy some sunglasses.

Exciting stuff, I know.

Naturally, smooth jazz radio reverberated through the halls. A soprano sax solo serenaded slowly drove me insane while I tried on aviators and retro tortoise shell frames.

Can you guess how I feel about smooth jazz?

Not a huge fan.

It’s too fluffy. Too tame. Too produced.

There are exceptions, of course – especially the records that have more of a live feel. (If you’re a smooth jazz connoisseur, feel free to send me some recommendations.)

It’s just that most of what I hear in malls, elevators, and on the radio is bland. But I suppose keeping people calm in elevators is not a bad thing, so maybe all that serenading has its place.

Still, I prefer music that has some bite to it.

Some stank.

Some soul.

It’s why I created my latest lick pack, Solo with Soul, which contains my hippest lines to date.

There’s even a pinch of smooth jazz in there. But it’s balanced out by a hefty dose of neo soul, R&B, funk, blues, and gospel influence.

You can hear what I’m talking about at the link below.

Just know that this lick and etude pack is not for beginners.

So, if you just started playing your instrument in the last six months, resist the urge to click.*

For everyone else:

Click here to learn more about Solo with Soul.

Happy shedding,

Jeff

*If you are a beginner, not to worry – I created the Sick Licks Level 1 series just for you. Check it out here:

https://go.jeffschneidermusic.com/sick-licks