Smooth Jazz

American smooth jazz radio occupies contested cultural territory - respected musicians dismiss it as diluted, while casual listeners defend its accessibility. Smooth Jazz refuses that argument by simply existing without apology. The format emerged from legitimate musical traditions. Weather Report, Bob James, early Pat Metheny - these weren't compromises. They were jazz artists making specific artistic choices about accessibility and production. Contemporary smooth jazz builds on that foundation. Robert Glasper's recent work, artists like Esperanza Spalding, musicians who studied traditional j…