Nathan Madsen

Dan-

Why don't you memorize Joy Spring in all 12 keys and be able to play it flawlessly at tempo. But wait- after playing the head then be able to improvise 3 choruses of solos for each key as well with a pro rhythm section backing you up. Then do this with Giant Steps and 7 Steps to Heaven and Cotton Tail. After doing all of this, then tell me jazz isn't complex. Do you even understand how much substitution goes into playing jazz? The mere fact that there is so much freedom to choose your path makes it more complex simply because there are more variables. Finally, to be a good jazz player you must be able to roll with the punches with your soloist decides to go off in another direction. Sonny Rollins used to change keys on purpose to see if he could trip up the players around him. He would sometimes pick completely illogical key changes to make it hard. Did it make sense musically? Maybe, maybe not. But the mere fact that some of these jazz legends were able to pick up on the change instantly and play off of it well (while continuing to improve) demands respect. You are either an idiot, completely naive or just trying to start a flame war. I'm not sure which is accurate yet....