The article is overtly apologetic towards the jazz musicians who ventured into the commercial genre, like hip hop and smooth jazz. The writer is disdainful towards the sex of the critics, calling attention to the fact that the critics were all male (as if it made a difference?). At least the phrase 'old white men' is absent, because some of the critics the author lambasts were black. The article seems to be geared mostly towards African-American players, and not the whole strata. It also omits vocalists. I know, this is not a Wikipedia-caliber article, but it could be one day, couldn't it?!
Just my $.02
Personally, and in retrospect, very unfortunately, I was not into jazz at all, until the end of the decade, but I did see some gigs in NYC, one in particular that I remember, was T.S.Monk's group at New York University ca.1995. They performed at the student center. Tickets were $5 or so.