30's, 40's and 50's. After that it all became too technical for me. I mean Sun Ra, Herbie Hancock and Jaco are great musicians, but it's too much sometimes. And from the seventies the most artists had a sound wich I really don't like (Wheater Report, Jaco, ..). Don't get me wrong, great musicians, but just too much.

I'm with you, Gooze. I have a sentimental affection for melody

Melody is exactly the word that's missing in my post. By complex I mean that I hear they studied their jazzbooks very well, but there's no melody, no passion... Nothing that grabs you by the balls like Billie Holiday always does.... < I know sounds weird, but you get it. She never really grabbed me by the balls. I'm too young

I think I would prolly have to say somewhere towards the end of the swing era.