[Dixielandjazz] Straight Ahead jazz style definition

[Robert Smith]

I'm not familiar with the term "straight ahead" as applied to jazz.
I would use it to describe a musician who is competent, knows what 
he's/she's going to play, and does it without any frills. Examples that 
spring to mind  are Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmie Noone, Lil Hardin /Armstrong, 
Jimmy Giuffre.
The complete opposites are those who only know what they're going to play as 
they get started - musicians like Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Johnny 
Dodds, King Oliver. These musicians can invent soulful melodies without 
losing the feeling of the original melody.
The above lists are not meant to be comprehensive, just the few that sprang 
to mind.

Cheers,

Bob Smith