I think that Dan's point is excellent because when one take a good look at the roots and origins of jazz music, it really is just a developed strain of folk music. I simply adore jazz, and although I tend to stick to the 20s, 30s, and 40s, I have a profound respect and amazement for the degree of sheer musical literacy and expertise the genre requires in all (or even most) of its forms. I've posted a message before that hailed Armstrong as one of the most influential performers of the century, and I stand by my conviction that he is one of the first jazz stars, but also one of the first blues/folk champions. Also, I'm absolutely in love with the music and the singing style of Fats Waller...He had a way of tickling the keyboard that sets him in another realm, and I highly recommend any recordings that you can get your hands on. Also, I think that the genre's songwriters were absolutely unparallelled in their genius. Of course, there are greats like Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Ellington, etc...But also the lesser known contributors: Eubey Blake, John Lewis, Errol Gardner, etc. Jazz is a genre that will stay close to my heart for all of my days.