ZK, i am really sorry to hear that.
i've read about this before....and what you're describing is how it starts....someone tells you smooth jazz is just misunderstood and that you should be proud you have a gift and ignore the others because you're a natural, man, and then they'll fill your head with a bunch of saccharin lies and you'll know it's wrong but the excitement of that forbidden fruit just won't subside and you'll think, "it's fine, i can quit this whenever, ha, it's just a goof", but deep down you'll know there is no turning back now and the solos get a little longer each time and the next thing you know you're playing in some coffee shop near campus....or wherever at this point, it doesn't matter just as long as you're laying it down, brother. i mean, shit, why not just play on the street in crowded areas? the bus stop is right there, people are going to get off the bus, yeah, that'd be ok, you might even start wearing a fedora or something and fuck if your own friends and family even recognize you anymore they were holding you back anyway........
just be careful is all i'm saying.