Smackdown: Jazz Fusion
Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
Since its emergence in the late 60’s, jazz-rock fusion has been controversial. Jazz purists decry its use of rock styles, electronic instruments, and what they feel are its commercial pretensions. Yet fans consider it visionary and experimental. As fusion makes a comeback with new albums and tours (not to mention the revivalist genre acid jazz), we debate the merits of the “F Word.” Joining us are Will Layman, columnist for Popmatters.com and a contributor to NPR, and Howard Mandel, arts journalist and president of the Jazz Journalists Association.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on jazz-fusion
Tell us what you think of fusion: Is it commercial, bombastic and kind of cheesy? Or cool and open-minded? Leave a comment:
