Meaning: David Sanborn, a renowned musician, expressed his unease with the term "smooth jazz" in the quote, "Well, I guess my unease with that is... I'm always a little uneasy with that phrase - smooth jazz, as opposed to what?" This quote reflects Sanborn's skepticism towards the categorization of music into genres and the limitations that such labeling imposes on artistic expression.

The term "smooth jazz" emerged in the 1980s to describe a subgenre of jazz that incorporated elements of R&B, funk, and pop music, characterized by its melodic and accessible nature. However, Sanborn's remark suggests a certain level of discomfort with this classification. He questions the necessity of labeling this style of music as "smooth jazz," implying that such a designation may be reductive and fail to capture the full scope of the music's complexity.

Sanborn's unease with the term "smooth jazz" may stem from a desire to avoid being confined within the boundaries of a single genre. As an accomplished saxophonist, Sanborn has explored a wide range of musical styles throughout his career, including jazz, R&B, and pop. His reluctance to embrace the label of "smooth jazz" could be seen as a refusal to be pigeonholed into a specific category, reflecting his commitment to artistic versatility and innovation.

Moreover, Sanborn's skepticism towards the term "smooth jazz" aligns with a broader debate within the music industry regarding the classification and commodification of musical genres. The process of labeling music into distinct categories serves practical purposes such as marketing and organizing music libraries. However, it can also lead to oversimplification and the overlooking of the intricate nuances that define an artist's work.

Furthermore, the phrase "as opposed to what?" in Sanborn's quote conveys a sense of ambiguity and open-endedness. It implies that the concept of "smooth jazz" is inherently relative and subjective. Sanborn seems to question the contrast implied by the term, suggesting that music should not be pitted against an undefined alternative but rather appreciated for its unique qualities without the need for comparative labels.

In the context of artistic expression, Sanborn's unease with the term "smooth jazz" reflects a broader concern about the impact of categorization on creative freedom. By resisting narrow genre classifications, Sanborn advocates for a more fluid and inclusive approach to music that transcends rigid boundaries. This perspective aligns with the ethos of artistic exploration and boundary-pushing that has characterized Sanborn's career.

In conclusion, David Sanborn's quote encapsulates his reservations about the term "smooth jazz" and the implications of genre labeling in music. His unease with this phrase reflects a desire to transcend restrictive categorizations and embrace the multifaceted nature of musical expression. Sanborn's stance invites reflection on the limitations of genre classifications and the importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity of artistic endeavors.