When you have managed to be around for as long as I have it is amazing just how many different kinds of music you find yourself listening to. I grew up in a household where big band and Sinatra ruled, of course I wanted no part of that. Started with like of Elvis and Ricky Nelson, but then came the Beach Boys &Beatles. At the same time found myself listening to some distant radio station at night and this thing called Motown. That led to an early interest in the blues. Rock went through a number of changes over the past two or three decades and over the years have found a number of newer bands I found I enjoyed. Found smooth jazz in the late seventies, earlier eighties and from there moved to more traditional jazz which up till then I had pretty much ignored. With county moving more and more to pop sounds I began exploring that sound and to my surprise found a number of artists I enjoyed.

In the end I guess that if you stay open minded enough there are some great sounding music to be found. These days I find myself with a strong feel for the blues of all types. Strange for a 60 something white guy from Indiana, but just love the sound. But also listen to a lot jazz, rock (when they are not screaming),soul and a bit of country.

Good points, Dave. I haven't said much in this thread because as far as recordings go, my collection is pretty much the same. I haven't bought anything new that's not jazz except the soundtrack to the Broadway musical adaptation of "The Color Purple."
However, I do get opportunities to hear a lot of live music in various forms.
In the local nightclub circuit, we have quite a few small bands that play a mix of blues, classic soul, and sometimes they break the mold and play rock, Elvis or even bluegrass. I'm on the board for a symphony association, which is a presenting organizaion. Each year, we have four shows. One is always a jazz concert, but with a different artist. Last year, it was Rusell Thomas, a 5-piece band that plays traditional jazz or jazz arrangements of old soul. This year, it was a young fusion band that's more like a hard rock group that doesn't sing.
In the summer, we had the Quebe Sisters Band from Texas. Three girls who play fiddles, acccompanied by an acoustic bassist, a guitarist and a drummer. They sing like the Andrews Sisters, but their sound is like a hybrid of folk, bluegrass, pop and jazz.
Next month, we've got Danny Blurton and the Swing Machine. He's a regular on our schedule. This show is more for audiences who like swing music but also want to dance.
And a few months ago, I accompanied our president to a performing arts conference - a meet and greet so we could see new acts that we can consider for future engagements. A lot of good music in various forms - country, folk, jazz, blues, zydeco, classical, chamber, something weird (I don't know what to call it).
A few acts that stood out:
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Express
Trout Fishing in America (different, humorous and kinda good)
Presidio Brass
Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra (my favorite of all those we saw)
The Good Lovelies
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Society Band
Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (Rick's sons)
Euclid Quartet
There were some others that I enjoyed, but I can't remember them all.

I make use of a pair of pubic library's in the area for much of what I listen to these days. While they have had to cut back in these brought times they both still add CDs on a regular basis. Some new and some older.

New spins for me include some rock from Joe Satriani-Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards. My son introduced me to his music a few years ago. Also Umphrey's McGee-Death By Stereo a new studio CD and Live At The Murat. They founded back in the mid 90,s while students at Notre Dame. A jam band that has a good following in the Midwest. Also listening to the new Joss Stone cd -Lp1. Been a fan since her first effort, she never seems satisfied with what she is doing, which is probably why I have enjoyed her music. Buddy Guy-Living Proof, solid effort from the master blues man. Hugh Laurie of House fame-Let Them Talk, a New Orleans blues style effort that really took me by surprise. Elton John & Leon Russell a pair of gifted singer/songwriters together for the first time in The Union.