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"
.
|
 |
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".
|
 |
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 UK Ace Records in 1988.
|
 |
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: Street Life- 1979
Label: MCA
Produced by: Wilton Felder, Joe Sample & Stix Hooper
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.
|
 |
D’Sound:
Spice of Life – 1996
Label: Polygram Norway
Produced by: D’Sound
Very good debut jazz/funk fusion album from the Norwegian trio
D’Sound. Strong melodies and
an excellent production. Stay clear of the 3 albums that
followed. More on www.dsound.com
|
 |
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, here are four very good fusion albums from this jazz/fusion 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".
|
 |
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.
Regardless of trends or airplay, Michael Franks always delivers
what he does best; ultra smooth crossover jazz. Among his 15 releases
since 1973, I find these 3 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…
|
|
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
Label: Island (LP)
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 somewhat influenced by EW&F.
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!
|
 |
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.
|
 |
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 awsome 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
Label: Columbia
Produced by: Maurice White & Ramsey Lewis
Ramsey Lewis: Electric Collection – 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 15 track compilation from this much sampled jazz/funk act from Portland, Oregon. BMG Europe
CD release.
|
|
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".
|
|
Shakatak: The Coolest Cuts [Best of] – 1988
Label: Polydor (UK)
Produced by: Nigel Wright
19 track compilation from one of UK’s finest dance/jazz/funk
acts. Mostly instrumental piano based tracks from their early/mid 80’s
peak period.
|
 |
Lonnie
Liston Smith: Exotic Mysteries/Loveland – 1998
Label: Sony UK
Produced by: Lonnie Liston Smith & Bert deCoteaux
The 2 excellent orchestral fusion albums "Exotic Mysteries"
and "Loveland", both originally released in 1978,
was released on the Sony UK "2 on 1" series in 1998.
Be sure to also check
out the classic 1974 "Expansions". The
title track has been covered by a number of jazz/funk artists
over the years.
|
|
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.
|
 |
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. The track "Nothing Will Be As It Was" is one
of my personal all-time favorites.
|
|
| |
|
