Roy Ayers: Best Of - 1997
Label: Polydor
Produced by: Roy Ayers and Wayne Henderson
Among all the "Best of Roy Ayers" that's been released, the 15
track Polydor Best Of is one of the best. Featuring Roy's great
version of the classic Bobby Caldwell penned "What You Won't Do
For Love". Also check out his lost & found recordings on "Virgin Ubiquity
- Unreleased Recordings 1976-1981 Volume 1 & 2.
|
 |
George Benson:
Breezin' - 1976
George Benson: In
Flight - 1977
Label: Warner Bros.
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma
Two highly recommended jazz/funk albums from this jazz/fusion
guitarist extraordinary. "Breezin'" is now also available in
multichannel DVD Audio format including 2 bonus tracks. "In Flight" features a great 9:47 mins.
version of the War classic "The World is a Ghetto"
plus "Nature Boy" and Donny Hathaway's "Valdez in the Country".
|
 |
Banda Black Rio:
Gafiera Universal - 1978
Banda Black Rio: Saci Perere - 1980
Label: BMG Brazil
Great jazz/funk from Brazil, mixing smooth jazz funk, soulful vocals,
and great production, into a sound that rivalled any of America's best
mainstream funk acts of the 70s! Filled with tight jazzy groovers, great
rhythms and tight instrumentation, never noticing the fact that the
lyrics aren't in English! Gafiere Universal includes the totally great "Cravo
e Canela", one of the sneakiest guitar groovers you'll ever hear!
The 1980 Saci Pere also grooves like a Brazilian version of EWF, mixing
together bubbling basslines, smooth keyboards, and funky horn riffs,
plus regional twists, like work on cuica and percussion to spice up the
funky mix a bit.
|
 |
Blackbyrds:
Flying Start - 1974
Blackbyrds:
City Life - 1975
Blackbyrds:
Action - 1977
Produced by: Donald Byrd
Label: Fantasy
Assembled by Donald Byrd in 1974, the group's original members were from
Howard University's music department, where the doctor and jazz legend
Donald Byrd was an instructor. During the Blackbyrds' nearly decade-long
existence, the group cut a handful of LPs with "Walking in Rhythm," "Rock
Creek Park," and "Happy Music" are their three best-known cuts; they have
remained underground club classics, and they have been kept alive, in part,
through sampling.
|
|
Donald Byrd: Places & Spaces - 1975
Produced by: Larry Mizell, Donald Byrd
Label: Fantasy
Donald Byrd was considered one of the finest hard bop trumpeters and
recorded as both a leader and sideman in the 50's and 60s, most often
for Blue Note. He then became fascinated with Miles Davis' move into
fusion, and started recording his own forays into the field. In the
early 70s, with the help of brothers Larry and Fonce Mizell, Byrd
perfected a bright, breezy, commercially take on fusion that was
distinct from Davis, incorporating tighter arrangements and more of a
smooth soul influence. On Places & Spaces he continues to explore
contemporary soul, funk, and R&B and adds elements of Marvin Gaye
and
Earth Wind & Fire, which makes the album a bit
funkier and more soulful than most fusion albums at the time.
|
|
Stanley Clarke: 1,2 To The Bass -
2003
Label: Sony
Produced by: Stanley Clarke
Although a bit watered down and more radio friendly than some of
his earlier jazz/funk fusion offerings, I find this very good and it
proves Clarke still to be the king of the lower frequencies!
|
 |
Norman Connors:
Best Of - 2001
Label: BMG/Buddah
Produced by: Norman Connors
Drummer and composer Norman Connors started out as a jazz
improviser, but he's probably best known for his R&B hits. This 14 track
compilation is actually more R&B than jazz and covers the period between
1976 and 1978, his peak years at Buddah. Including vocals by Phyllis
Hyman, Jean Carn and Michael Henderson.
|
 |
Crusaders: Southern Comfort - 1974
Crusaders: Those Southern Knights - 1975
Crusaders: Free as the Wind - 1977
Crusaders: Street Life - 1979
Label: MCA
Produced by: Wilton Felder, Joe Sample & Stix Hooper
Street Life is a classic jazz/funk album that introduced the group to a wider
audience and did the same for Randy Crawford who handles the excellent
vocals on the 11 minute title track. Wilton Felder's horn work is
equally great and together they make this one of the best jazz/funk
albums of the era. Also check out Wilton Felder's 1980 solo album
"Inherit the Wind". (Jap. rel. only)
|
 |
Paulinho DaCosta:
Happy People - 1979
Label: Pablo Records
Produced by: Paulinho DaCosta
As one of the world's greatest percussionists, his name can is
found on hundreds of album covers as a session player. "Happy People" is
great jazz/funk with a Brazilian flavor including guest vocals by Philip
Bailey (EW&F) and Bill Champlin.
|
 |
George Duke:
Follow the Rainbow - 1978
George Duke: Master of the Game - 1979
Label: Epic
George Duke: Night
After Night- 1989
Label: Elektra
George Duke: Illusions - 1995
George Duke: Is Love Enough - 1997
George Duke: After Hours - 1998
Label: Warner Bros.
Produced by: George Duke
After years of producing more pop than jazz, the above are very good fusion albums from this jazz/funk keyboard maestro. Strong melodies and
excellent production. Among all the featured vocalists are Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewett
and James Ingram. Be sure to also check out his 1979 "Brazilian Love
Affair". If you want more, go for the 2004 Epic/Legacy 33
track 2 disc set "The Essential".
|
 |
Wilton Felder - Inherit the Wind - 1980
Produced by: Crusaders
Label: MCA
With Inherit the Wind, Wilton Felder has deliverd one of the
best Crusaders-related solo projects ever. Co-produced with his fellow
Crusaders with traces of Latin, funk, and soul bubbling through a warm
jazzy mix. The blueprint for a zillion other fusion records -- none of
which ever sounded this good! Incl. vocals by Bobby Womack.
l |
 |
Michael Franks: Burchfield Nines - 1978
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma
Michael Franks: One Bad Habit - 1980
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma/Al
Schmitt
Michael Franks: Blue Pacific - 1990
Produced by: Tommy
LiPuma/Al Schmitt/Jeff Lorber
Michael Franks: Dragonfly Summer - 1993
Produced by: Yellowjackets/Jeff
Lorber/Ben Sidran
Michael Franks: Abandoned Garden - 1995
Produced by: Russel Ferrante/Matt
Pierson/Michael Colina
Label: Warner Bros.
Michael Franks: Rendezvous in Rio - 2006
Produced by: Various
Label: Koch Records
Regardless of trends or airplay, Michael Franks always delivers
what he does best; ultra smooth crossover jazz. As a former literature
student at UCLA his lyrics are always superb. Among his 16 releases
since 1973, I find these 6 especially good. Great melodies and excellent
production. Included are a who's-who list of superb studio
musicians: Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Walter Becker, Buzz Feiten, Paul
Jackson Jr., Kirk Whalum and so on... Also check out his 2004 x-mas
album Watching The Snow on Rhino Records.
|
 |
Dave Grusin: 3
Days of the Condor - 1975
Label: Capitol/Intermezzo Japan
Produced by: Dave Grusin
Sydney Pollack's 1975 spy thriller starring Robert Redford has
an incredible soundtrack! Dave Grusin really outdid himself with
this one. A great mix of of electric piano, basslines, and muted
trumpets over strings. Most movie soundtracks doesn't work well by
themselves, but this one sure does! The CD was released in 1997 but is
now deleted.
|
 |
Hiroshima:
Ongaku [Best Of] - 1986
Label: Arista
Produced by: Wayne Henderson
Japanese group sounding something between R&B, pop, world
music, and jazz has integrated traditional Japanese instruments
into their musical blend. Hiroshima's founding members are
keyboardist Dan Kuramoto (who also played shakuhachi), June
Okida Kuramoto on koto (a key part of the group's sound), Johnny
Mori on taiko drums, and Danny Yamamoto on drums, percussion and
taiko. Hiroshima has recorded a series of best-selling albums
for Arista, Epic and Qwest. This compilation is from their
"Hiroshima" debut in 1979 and "Odori" 1980.
|
 |
Hi-Tension: Hi-Tension - 1978
[LP only]
Label: Island
Produced by: Alex Sadkin & Kofi Ayivor
Still only available on LP, but rumors has it that Universal
Germany is about to reissue this British jazz/funk/disco album.
About time! A not so good "Best of" CD including some of
vocalist David Joseph's solo stuff was released in the UK in 1993. Stay
clear and wait for the original album I say!
|
 |
Bobbi Humphrey -
Blacks & Blues - 1974
Label: Blue Note
Produced by:
Larry Mizell
Featuring some stellar production work by the great Larry Mizell,
very much in the same vein as that which he used on classic sessions by
Gary Bartz and Donald Byrd! This album also includes all the Humphrey
cuts you're looking for -- like "Chicago, Damn", "Harlem River Drive",
and "Jasper Country Man". Every track is great, and the album's a total
delight!
|
 |
Incognito:
Blue Moods [Best of] - 1997
Label: Phonogram UK
Produced by: Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick
Excellent Acid Jazz compilation with deep roots in the 70's
jazz/funk/fusion world. This contains mostly instrumental tracks. You could also go for the 2000 release "Best
of". This is more soul/funk oriented and features vocals
by Maysa and Jocelyn Brown.
|
 |
Al
Jarreau: This Time
- 1980
Al Jarreau: Breakin' Away - 1981
Al Jarreau: Al Jarreau - 1983
Label: Warner Bros.
Produced by: Jay Graydon
3 great soul/jazzfusion albums from Al Jarreau with great production by
"westcoast" guitar maestro Jay Graydon. Also check out
his two latest releases "Tomorrow Today" and "All I
Got" both on GRP Rec. This is back to the early 80's.
|
 |
Kem: Kemistry
- 2003
Kem: Album II - 2005
Label: Motown
Produced by: Kem
Having a 4 octave range, Kem Owens sounds much like Al Jarreau,
delivering a mature cross of R&B and Jazz. Stylistically not far from
from what you'd hear late at night on a soul station in the late '70s or
early '80s. Both albums are equally excellent.
|
 |
Neil Larsen: Jungle
Fever - 1978
Neil Larsen: High Gear - 1979
Label: A&M
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma
Two excellent Latin inspired fusion albums from this very talented keyboard player. Very
hard to find on CD. The band is awesome with tight rhythm and
great bass work! Featuring Buzz Feiten, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel and Paulinho
DaCosta.
Horns by Michael Brecker, Larry Williams and Jerry Hey. Formed his own band with Buzz
Feiten simply called Larsen/Feiten Band. Has also worked with people like George Benson
and Al Jarreau, and was actually playing keyboards for one of
Gamble & Huff's first productions, The Soul Survivors.
|
 |
Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess - 1974
Ramsey Lewis: Electric Collection [Best Of]- 1991
Label: Columbia
Produced by: Maurice White, & Ramsey Lewis
Featuring the original recording of the classic jazz/funk track
"Sun Goddess". Contains most of the Earth Wind & Fire members from that
period.
On Electric Collection the material ranging from jazz-funk workouts like
"Come Back, Jack," and "The Messenger" to the playful "Blues for the
Night Owl." If "Tequila Mockingbird" seems greatly influenced by Earth,
Wind & Fire, it's because most of his sidemen on that great track are
members of the soul/funk powerhouse.
|
 |
Light Of The World:
Best of - 1992
Label: Ensign
Produced by: Augie Johnson
Very good "best of" CD from this defunkt London based jazz/funk band formed in
1978. [UK CD only]. Also check out Incognito, - a band started by former LOTW member Bluey
Maunick.
|
 |
Alphonse
Mouzon: By
All Means - 1982
Label: Pausa
Produced by: Alphonse Mouzon
Featuring Herbie Hancock, Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson and The Seawind Horns. A talented
drummer whose music stretches from jazz to fusion, rock, funk and pop. He has played with
Roy Ayers, Weather Report and in the 70's and George Benson and Al DiMeola in
the early 80's.
|
 |
Nite
Flyte: Ascension
- 1999
Label: Instinct Records
Nite
Flyte: U-Turn
- 2003
Passion Jazz Records
Produced by: Tony Campbell
Led by multi-instrumentalist Tony Campbell, this is ultra smooth and very relaxing guitar based jazz/funk from Britain.
The track "Lift Off" is pretty similar to MFSB's "Love Is the Message".
Also Check out the latest offering the 2003 "U-Turn" featuring Jean
Carne as guest vocalist.
|
 |
Pleasure: Best of
- 1992
Label: Fantasy
Produced by: Various
Very good BMG Europe 15 track compilation from this much sampled jazz/funk act from Portland, Oregon.
Maybe it's time for someone to re-issue their whole back catalogue? Dust
Yourself Of 1975, Accept No Substitute 1976, Joyous 1977, Get To The
Feeling 1978, Future Now 1979, Special Things 1980 and their
final offering, the 1982 RCA release Give It Up.
|
 |
Brenda Russell: Paris Rain - 2000
Label: Hidden Beach
Produced by: Brenda Russell & Stephan Oberhoff
Maybe not real "Jazz/Funk", but Brenda Russell sings mature love
songs in a smokey alto over minor-key jazz arrangements played by
in-demand session musicians and contemporary jazz guest stars like Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, and Yellowjackets members Russell Ferrante and Jimmy
Haslip. Smooth jazz at it's best. Also check out "The Ultimate
Collection".
|
 |
Gabor Szabo: Night Flight - 1976 (LP only)
Label: Mercury
Produced by: Bunny Sigler
Born in Hungary in 1936, Gabor Szabo relocated to the United States in 1956 and became daringly
different in his approach to jazz, combining melodic elements from
different continents with his own Gypsylike style. His 1976 album
'Night Flight' was produced by Bunny Sigler at the Sigma Studio in
Philly and includes the classic mellow groover "Keep Smilin'" (another version was recorded by Sigler a
few years earlier). Also check out the Wayne Henderson produced "Faces"
album from 1977.
|
 |
Shazz:
Shazz - 1998
Shazz: In The Light - 2001
Produced by: Shazz
Label: Sony France
Two very good albums from one of France's most respected and
renowned house (!) producers. A smooth fusion of soul, R&B, house and
jazz, with a good balance of vocals and instrumentals creating the
perfect home listening soundtrack. Pipe & slippers lounge jazz if you
will.
|
 |
Lonnie
Liston Smith: Expansions - 1974
Lonnie
Liston Smith: Renaissance - 1977
Label: RCA
Lonnie
Liston Smith: Loveland - 1978
Lonnie
Liston Smith: Exotic Mysteries - 1978
Label: Columbia
Produced by: Lonnie Liston Smith
After leaving the Miles Davis band in 1974, Liston Smith
released a number of great soulful orchestral jazz/funk albums. The
title track from Expansions is a timeless jazz/funk classic and has been covered by a number of artists
over the years. If you're a hi-fi freak, check out the 24 bit
remastered version reissued by BMG France in 2001. Alternatively you
can' go for the "best of" 2 disc set "Explorations: The Columbia
Recordings" released by Sony in 2000 but this only covers his 1978-1980
Columbia period.
|
 |
St.
Germain: Boulevard - 1996
St.
Germain: Tourist - 2000
Produced by: St. Germain
Label: Blue Note
One of the few producers to pursue a real fusion of jazz and
house music, Frenchman Ludovic Navarre aka St. Germain, released
his first album, Boulevard, in 1996. Featuring trumpeter Pascal
Ohse, the album worked as a hybrid of American R&B and jazz with
the growing French house scene exemplified by Garnier, La Funk
Mob, and Dimitri From Paris. Tourist took the concept further
with Navarre working post-production on a fuller complement of
musicians, and earned release on Blue Note Records. A step on
the way to a perfect blend of jazz and electronic.
|
 |
Jeff
Tyzik: The
Farthest Corner of My Mind
[Best of] - 1986
Label: Amherst
Produced by: Jeff Tyzik
Like real horns and violins? No synth-strings here. Check out this compilation from this great
N.Y. born horn player.
|
 |
Various: Classic
Jazz-Funk
Mastercuts Vol.1-7
Label: Beechwood Music (UK)
Produced by: Various
Highly recommended CD compilation series from this UK based label. Including hard-to-find
12" versions if available. Featuring such artists as Roy Ayers, Grover Washington
Jr.,
Ramsey Lewis, Paulinho DaCosta, War, Wilton Felder and Ronnie Laws among others.
|
 |
Sarah Vaughan: Brazilian Romance
- 1987
Label: Columbia
Produced by: Sergio Mendez
Sarah Vaughan started out in the early 40's (yes, 40's!) and is
ranked with Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday as one of the top female
jazz singers ever! The "Brazilian Romance" album is very elegant and sophisticated Brazilian flavored smooth jazz
including guests stars like George Duke, Hubert Laws, Tom Scott and
Ernie Watts among others.
|
 |
Grover Washington jr.: Mr. Magic
- 1974
Label: Motown
Produced by:
The excellent title track is worth the whole album. 8:40 of pure
mellow groove. Classic Jazz/Funk!
|
 |
| |
|
