The Return of Smooth Jazz: Rediscovering the Soundtrack of "WOLFS" and Beyond
I recently watched the film WOLFS on Apple TV, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt. While the film itself was solid, what truly stood out to me was the music. Clooney’s character, in particular, was given a chance to express himself more deeply through his soundtrack, and it got me thinking about the smooth jazz craze of the late '90s and the role of music in setting a mood and defining a character. Clooney's character was allowed to shine in moments where music really helped convey his personality, a touch Pitt’s character didn’t quite enjoy. One track, in particular, had me hooked: Sade's "No Ordinary Love."
Along with other timeless classics like "Smooth Operator" by Sade and "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers, I was transported back to a time when smooth jazz dominated the airwaves, filling cars and living rooms alike. For me, it was the soundtrack to both relaxation and romance, and in the case of WOLFS, it felt like a subtle yet powerful tool to explore the characters on screen. I found myself wondering: What happened to smooth jazz?
Click here to see the clip with " Smooth Operator"
https://youtu.be/RIemOgultqU?si=W6rN5uQlK6rRdM9m
Smooth jazz had its heyday in the late '80s and '90s, a time when saxophones, soft basslines, and gentle melodies made it the perfect background music for everything from a night in to a Sunday drive. I still listen to that stuff today—catching it on Sirius XM's Watercolors station as I cruise around. What's fascinating, though, is how the genre has gradually faded in prominence over the years. Jazz musicians, particularly purists, often dismiss smooth jazz, criticizing its perceived lack of technical skill, repetitive harmonies, and sometimes "bland" melodies. However, what stands out to me is its sheer popularity—an undeniable force that some critics may begrudge, but one that's impossible to overlook.
Consider Kenny G, the epitome of smooth jazz success. A long-haired, unassuming soprano saxophonist, Kenny G became a household name thanks to albums like Breathless, which peaked in 1992. Sure, his style of playing wasn’t as technically complex as the jazz greats that came before him, but his ability to sell millions of albums and turn smooth jazz into a mainstream sensation was nothing short of fascinating. Kenny G's superstardom might not have earned him the respect of some hardcore jazz fans, but it certainly deserves acknowledgment. After all, how many saxophonists have achieved the kind of widespread recognition and commercial success that he did?
This rise of smooth jazz and its later decline is a tale of changing tastes. By the early 2000s, many smooth jazz radio stations, such as The Breeze here in Miami and Love 94 including prominent ones in cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Boston, began to phase out the genre. The smooth sounds that once filled the airwaves started to fade, replaced by more diverse and niche formats. What happened? Was it the soft, predictable melodies that caused people to tune out? Was it the backlash to artists like Kenny G, who personified a more commercially accessible version of jazz? I think it was a combination of factors, but undeniably, smooth jazz experienced a slow decline.
As a DJ, I've always had a deep appreciation for the genre, and I still find an audience for it. Recently, I've been hosting events around town called Smooth Grooves Sunday, where I spin some of those timeless tracks alongside newer smooth jazz artists Joe Sample, Joel Sarakula Kirk Whalum,. The nights have been surprisingly successful, proving that there’s still a craving for that laid-back, sophisticated vibe. But I want to take it a step further—introducing a fun, nostalgic twist that ties into my roots.
Growing up in the '90s, we had a slang term that always came up during slow jams—"JAMONEO". It’s a Cuban term that roughly translates to “copping a feel” while dancing to slow music. It was playful, cheeky, and totally tied to the rhythm and energy of the smooth jazz and R&B songs we loved. I’m planning to incorporate JAMONEO into my DJ sets, not just as a way to bring back a bit of cultural nostalgia, but to reframe the smooth jazz experience as something fun, communal, and even a little bit rebellious. There’s an audience out there for it, and I think it's time to bring that vibe back.
Click the Link below to hear my " Jamoneo" Mix
https://www.mixcloud.com/OpenHouseRadioDisco/jamoneo-the-art-of-slow-dancing-dj-alex-gutierrez/
Whether it’s through a George Clooney character’s love for Sade or the enduring charm of Kenny G’s smooth sax, there’s something about smooth jazz that still speaks to people today. It's more than just background music—it's a way to set a mood, connect with others, and even express parts of ourselves that we might not always find words for. Let's keep the groove alive and take it to the next level, bringing JAMONEO and smooth jazz back into the spotlight.
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