[Bern]

I think, Tony, put things in perspective.
Personally, I believe, that Jazz, Rock, Blues, etc. are simply genres people choose to immerse themselves...some more than others. I don't find anything wrong with dabbling in different styles and exploring their harmonic structures and ideas.
BTW, the term 'chord melody' is simply a harmonized melody line. Usually, the harmonization is done on the bottom. So, the term 'chord melody' is just fine to use, however, one has to be aware that 'new' chords can be created (playing 'outside' a diatonic structure).