Mediocrity,

As I speak with older jazz musicians it seems like there is a sense that we are on a sinking ship.  The music has either regurgitated itself in strict traditional interpretation, or become so technically advanced that the average listener is alienated.  When faced with a challenge to reach for something one doesn’t understand, the vast majority choose the path that requires little thought, is easily digested and makes them feel good about themselves.  In this environment will Jazz maintain its current popularity, gain in popularity, or fade out into the sunset?  Most importantly, if you believe it is fading away, then what is there to change about it so it's preservation and growth can stand a better chance?

Other questions on this topic are:

1.)    As Brittany Spears and boy bands continue to sell countless albums, will this have a dooming effect on the adulthood of a generation, in terms of their aptitude to digest culture and art as they mature? 

2.)    Is the modern environment of music and art consumption really any different than any of the past two centuries? (i.e. the Monkeys were a boy band)

3.)    Is modern jazz really not what one would easily conclude to be “jazz"?  For example, Hip Hop, and Electronica have been mentioned as the natural progression of what once was more traditional Jazz.  

I’m curious to hear responses…thanks for reading!