Quote:


One of the reasons I don't like a lot of modern jazz players is that the music goes out the window at the expense of speed and scales.





In my opinion this is a problem in all genres, not just jazz.

I like your term "Musicality"... to me, that's what makes me able to listen to a whole CD without having to walk away to catch my breath. Amazing players in all styles eventually give me ear fatigue. But, make it MUSICAL, and I can listen all day!


Yet, for one or two songs, I DO love to hear the virtuosos play their stuff! But, after that, I have to walk away to rest my senses. It's like eating too much spicy food. I don't like the spices to be the main focus of the meal... I like the meat and potatoes to have center stage.

I thought the youtube piece (Jazz, Al DiMeola et al) posted above was a good example of amazing playing that was hard to listen to.