Smooth jazz

Smooth jazz is a form of jazz, often blended with R&B.

Smooth jazz developed in part from jazz fusion, and tends to emphasize melody rather than improvisation. Creed Taylor's CTI Records was especially important in the form's development in the mid-1970s. Wes Montgomery made a number of instrumental recordings of familiar pop songs aimed as much at pop audiences as at jazz fans; these records are often cited as important early smooth jazz.

Some jazz fans regard smooth jazz as a lesser form, or not as jazz at all. However, others reject these claims, noting such respected musicians as Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller and others are often classified as "smooth jazz," and that many musicians are capable of perfoming well in multiple styles.

A more popular style of smooth jazz is urban jazz, which incorporates the aspects of hip-hop. This style is aimed at audiences who would normally listen to urban contemporary radio stations that play a mix of hip-hop and R&B. Among the musicians who frequently perform urban jazz are Dave Koz, Boney James, Paul Jackson Jr., and former NBA player-turned-bassist Wayman Tisdale.

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