>I think jazz has the most sophisticated improvisations. That
>don't mean that other genres (including mention music from
>around the world) can't have sophisticated improvisations but
>I do feel that if we are talking about it on a macro-level and
>in regards to genres, I think that's a fair and quite "safe"
>assessment. Interested in counter-arguments though...


I like the way you phrased it because it accounts for the fact
that on a micro level, improvisation is everywhere.

A soul singer improvises their phrasing,
and a rhythm guitarits in a funk band
do mini improvisations to keep the forward momentum going
even when they are in the pocket.

That's the only thing I wanted to account for in my reply...
aretha franklin improvises in every line she sings... even when she
sings it "straight."

that stuff never gets mentioned when ppl have conversations about
musical geniuses in genres that aren't jazz.