Smooth Jazz

Perhaps the most commercially potent subgenre to fall under the jazz banner in recent years, Smooth Jazz is epitomized by the music of multiplatinum soprano saxophonist Kenny G. The style emphasizes polished production values and easily recognizable melodies. Its rhythms derive largely from Funk, 1970s Fusion and, in some cases, hip-hop, but tend to be softened up quite a bit, while its moods often take on an air of Quiet Storm seductiveness. In general, listeners flock to Smooth Jazz when they want soothing, high-gloss background music, rather than something of a more raw or challenging nature.