[thangalin]

> why does it even have to be called 'Jazz'?

* http://www.apassion4jazz.net/etymology.html

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_(word)#Etymology

> But, if I went to a music venue today, and the band was playing Jazz, I'd be bored out of my mind.

Jazz has many flavours that have long walked hand-in-hand with social dancing. Maybe spend a bit more time exploring its depth? Here's a modern rendition of a timeless classic:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhxSrF0HYnY

Here's a jazzed-up version of "All About That Bass," also easily danced to:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLnZ1NQm2uk

Another classic, "Blue Skies," with some social dancing:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xziwtk1i3A

And one more, showcasing some rather skilled Lindy Hop dancers, a fancy aerial at 1:20, and a modern take on Ellington's "Diga Diga Doo":

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9xxeWRxSbA

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aJ_9IAIjQ (Ellington)

Here's a remake of "When I Get Low, I Get High":

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acb-js00c40

> But, does Jazz even make any sense in the modern world?

Yes. Try some different jazz venues and find a style that speaks to you.

[smnplk]

Even Miles Davis said once, he doesn't like the word jazz. In his opinion back then, it should have been called people's music. Nice swing music you posted up there, but when we talk about jazz, we need to mention some of the greats of modern time, like Pat Metheney, Pat Martino, John Scofield, Heribie Hancock, Chick Corea and that alien called Alan Holdsworth (fusion ? ) The "weirdest" the music gets, the harder it is to label it. There is a ton of modern jazz artists that i haven't mentioned. Like Metheney once said, you need to explore, because there is good jazz and there is bad jazz...

[ap22213]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF6SGWRMIYw

[ap22213]

Come on, you know that was funny.

But, my point is that when I watch those videos, I see people trying to avoid modern reality - trying to portal back to a different time. It looks like escapism, avoidance, or maybe looking for acceptance from their elders. Or, maybe that's just me.

[icebraining]

Handel's just boring. https://youtu.be/g65oWFMSoK0?t=8m11s