Now my concept of smooth jazz is what originated back in the 70's when I was playing what I call jazz-funk. So I decided to call my album Smooth Jazz because I feel that I am one of the original innovators of this music. I've done 84 records and I am the smooth jazz man without a doubt. I understand the concept and I think that alot of the music out there now is not what they are saying it is. I would rather say it's a mellow groove.
Smooth jazz is something that has deep roots from the original form of be-bop.
To me, that understanding has to be there, and most important, it must groove, and it must be smooth. I'm not naming any names because they should know who they are. That's why people should check out my sound so they can hear really what smooth jazz is. Getting back to the roots of smooth jazz, your career has spanned 4 decades. In the 1960's I did 4 albums for Atlantic Records and I used people like Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter, Mickey Roker, Buster Williams, you know, some of the fine jazz musicians at that time.