Caught Between Jazz and Pop: The Contested Origins, Criticism, Performance Practice, and Reception of Smooth Jazz. Page: 50
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smooth jazz. The albums exemplify many of the communicative methods used even
today by smooth jazz artists.
As with Ramsey Lewis and the Jazz Crusaders, Montgomery was the target of
criticism. The mainstream jazz press frequently lamented the "loss" of such an
important artist to a more popular musical style. Contrary to critical opinion,
Montgomery did not defect to popular music simply to make more money. Montgomery
performed popular tunes throughout his career, even during his supposed artistic peak.
Montgomery was a jazz artist who was equally adept in multiple styles.
Montgomery's flawless jazz improvisations equaled his expertise in interpreting popular
melodies. Even with his considerable talents, much of Montgomery's popularity is the
result of a productive collaboration with Creed Taylor. Taylor identified Montgomery's
potential and provided him with repertoire, marketing, and studio expertise which
included excellent backing musicians and arrangers. In response, Montgomery
contributed consummate performances and willingly collaborated with Taylor's plans.
Together, they formed a team that helped forge a new musical style.
Beginnings of a Partnership: Wes Montgomery and Creed Taylor
Creed Taylor is one of the most important and controversial figures in jazz
history. Taylor not only founded and managed important jazz record labels, but he
helped guide the musical careers of legendary jazz artists such as Stan Getz, Freddie
Hubbard, and George Benson. Taylor is best known for helping to create the crossover
style in the late 196os, an achievement that made him financially successful but critically
maligned.50
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West, Aaron J. Caught Between Jazz and Pop: The Contested Origins, Criticism, Performance Practice, and Reception of Smooth Jazz., dissertation, December 2008; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc9722/m1/61/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .