Roy Ayers: The Best Of – 1997
Label: Polydor
Produced by: Roy Ayers and Wayne Henderson
Among all the "Best of Roy Ayers" that’s been released, this 15 track collection
is definitely the best. Featuring Roy’s great version of the classic Bobby Caldwell penned
"What you won’t do for love".
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George Benson: In
Flight – 1977
Label: Warner Bros.
Produced by: Tommy LiPuma
Highly recommended jazz/funk album featuring a great 9:47 mins. version of the War classic
"The World is a Ghetto" plus "Nature Boy" and "Valdez in the
Country".
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Blackbyrds: Best of –
1988
Label: Fantasy
Produced by: Donald Byrd & George Duke
R&B/fusion instrumental crew of students formed by jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd in the
early 70’s. This compilation contains 15 tracks including "Rock Creek Park", and
was released by Ace Records in 1988.
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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
4 very good fusion albums from this old jazz/fusion keyboard maestro. Strong melodies and
production. Among all the featured vocalists are Jeffrey Osborne, Howard Hewett and James
Ingram. Be sure to also check out his "Brazilian Love
Affair" from 1979.
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Hi
Tension: Hi Tension – 1978
Label: Island (LP)
Produced by: Alex Sadkin & Kofi Ayivor
Only
available on LP. British jazz/funk act very influenced by EWF.
A not so good "Best of" CD including some of
vocalist David Joseph’s solo stuff was released in the UK in
1993. (IMCD 157 514 828-2)
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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 latest release "Tomorrow Today" on GRP Rec. This is back to the early 80’s
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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. 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.
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Ramsey Lewis: Sun
Goddess – 1974
Label: Columbia
Produced by: Maurice White & Ramsey Lewis
Featuring the original recording of the classic jazz/funk track "Sun Goddess".
Contains most of the EWF members from that period.
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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. .
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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.
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Pleasure: Best of
– 1992
Label: Fantasy
Produced by: Various
Very good 15 track compilation from this musch sampled jazz/funk act from Portland, Oregon. BMG Europe
CD release.
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Spyro
Gyra: 1977-1987 (Best of) – 1997
Label: BMG
Produced by: Various
Founded in 1975 by altoist Jay Beckenstein, Spyro Gyra has consistently been one of the
commercially successfully pop-jazz groups of the past 20 years. They were originally a
studio group, but became a fulltime band in 1979. This compilation was released by BMG
Europe.
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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.
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Classic
Jazz: Funk
Mastercuts Vol.1-7
Label: Beechwood Music (UK)
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.
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