Well for me jazz is always adaptable.
when I was in elementary I use to listen to rock, pop, opm and even "boy bands" for crying out loud. hehehe Well as time went by. during my high school years I listen to Rock, progressive, metal, punk, pop, fussion, electronica, techno, trance, etch.but no boy bands...hehehe The most intruiging part during my high school years was fussion because when I first heard it its really wierd. I'm a drummer and I love new beats and complicated shuffles and beats. Fussion is very complex cause its a combination of jazz theories and rock sound. During those time's I wanna know what the roots of fussion music are so i researched alot and at the same time I knew alot of jazz drummers. I starter listening to john mclaughin not because of jazz but because of how dennis chambers do the drum beats. then shifted to chick corea because of dave weckle then another band to another until I adopt the jazz environment and I did'nt realize that I already like listening to george benson, louie armstrong, woudoji, braxton bros. even kenny g and I like it. I'm even addicted to it. During College I was addicted to progressive and jazz and right now I'm working I'm stuck with jazz...
hahaha What am I trying to say here...
Jazz is a culture you can adopt. It's a life style. It takes time for us to appreciate this kind of music. Yes jazz is stereo typically for elite, sophisticated and cultured people but I dont think it is. Every one can listen and appreciate this music as long as you want to adopt to it.
hehehe JAzZ On!!! FunKY JuAN!!