At the beginning of my guitar career I listened to Johnny Smith. I bought his albums, bought his books, and went to see him whenever possible. I wanted to be him. The voicing of his chords, easy style of playing and his fills were good. His books did very little to help me, they were only notes.

Later in my career I began to play with interesting chord structure, and good fills. I was playing with the taste of Johnny Smith. (Not as good as) There was something new inside me. The art of improvisation comes from within.

Older musicians played what they were feeling. The jazz musician of today has mastered all types of scales, which is good if they are not the main thought of your improvisation.

Mark, listen, listen, listen, you will be doing what you love in a short period. You have good hands and a strong desire, it will come.
John C.