Video link: https://www.openculture.com/2018/12/the-strange-history-of-smooth-jazz.html
(450 words)
Watch the video “How Smooth Jazz Took Over the 90’s” Even though the title and the video focuses on the
Smooth Jazz phenomenon in the 90’s, there is plenty of background information on it’s roots in the 1970’s and
80’s. You may use any information in the short article as well.
Be sure to address the following!: (in order)
What were some of the early (70’s) artists who started the style that came to be smooth jazz and when did they
make their recordings?
What defined their sound?
Types of instruments used
Overall timbre of the music
Other aspects of the music that are noteworthy?
Who listened to this music?
How was the music received by jazz musicians, critics, fans?
What musicians continued the style into the 80’s and 90’s?
What role did the media play in popularizing smooth jazz?
What else about smooth jazz do you find interesting?