Don't worry, Don. My back is not up. As far as I'm concerned, your opinion is just as valid (for you) as mine is (for me). But your statement that "...many people enjoy this.....but I certainly don't" just goes to prove my point about the subjectivity of music. Many people don't like jazz (and especially jazz improvisation) because it demands more of them than they're willing to invest. Others dislike Country 'cause they think it's 'hokey', corny, or simplistic. That's fair. My opinion is that yes, some jazz IS too complex to just relax and enjoy and some Country IS just too darn hokey. But that doesn't mean that it applies to All Jazz and ALL Country. I'm a Jazz lover, but not all forms and certainly not all tunes. I'm not a big fan of Country music but some of my favorite tunes and artists (Willie Nelson) are from that genre' (plus, I watch every episode of NASHVILLE). But just as 'one man's trash is another man's treasure', one man's 'melisma' is another man's creative and expressive phrasing'. Like I said before, 'different strokes......'.

On the other thing, yes, I'm very familiar with Steve Winwood but have never heard him referred to as 'Stevie' or for that matter, associated with ol' school R&B. Now Stevie WONDER, on the other hand....... Actually, I was just teasing, kidding you on what I perceived as an ol' man's 'brain fart'. Contrary to popular belief (on this board), my back is rarely up, but if I have a difference of opinion about something as subjective as music, I am not shy about expressing it. Look, I can't stand the sight, taste, or even smell of broccoli.....but that doesn't mean it's bad, just not for me.

chas