What is the difference between jazz-rock, fusion and jazz-funk?

Jazz-rock blends jazz with rock guitars and drumming, as with Mahavishnu Orchestra. Fusion is the broad umbrella for all these electric blends. Jazz-funk puts groove and bass first, in the spirit of Herbie Hancock's "Head Hunters". The borders between them are loose.

What was the first jazz fusion album?

Miles Davis's "In a Silent Way" (1969) and "Bitches Brew" (1970) are most often credited with launching fusion. Other musicians were already mixing jazz and rock at the time, but these two records set the direction for the whole decade.

What are the best jazz fusion records to buy on vinyl?

A solid core: Miles Davis's "Bitches Brew", Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Birds of Fire", Herbie Hancock's "Head Hunters", Weather Report's "Heavy Weather" and Return to Forever's "Romantic Warrior". All exist as original pressings and reissues, so comparing offers is worth it. Start with one or two and branch out from there.

Are original fusion pressings expensive?

Not necessarily. The big 1970s albums were pressed in large quantities by labels like Columbia, so a clean original copy is often reasonably priced. Rarer titles and obscure pressings cost more, so compare condition and price across several partner stores.

Jazz Rock / Fusion / Funk

At the crossroads of jazz, rock, and funk, this explosive style blends virtuoso improvisations and electric energy. Born in the late 60s with Miles Davis and Weather Report, it incorporates distorted guitars, groovy basslines, and syncopated rhythms.

Each album is an intense sonic experience, designed to surprise and captivate.

An invitation to headbang as much as to close your eyes and savor each note.

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Jazz Fusion Vinyl: Jazz-Rock and Jazz-Funk Records Worth Owning

What jazz fusion records you will find here

This section gathers jazz fusion vinyl, jazz-rock and jazz-funk: electric jazz that took on distorted guitars, Fender Rhodes and synthesizers, and rock and funk grooves without giving up improvisation. The movement started in the late 1960s with Miles Davis and dominated much of the 1970s. Fusion records are also prime territory for crate diggers, since many of their grooves were later sampled by hip-hop producers.

You will find pioneers such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, the soul-jazz and funk side with Grant Green and Gil Scott-Heron, and current players like trumpeter Erik Truffaz who carry the electric sound forward. That makes this section more than fifty years of electric jazz, from pioneers to heirs.

Original pressings or reissues?

The landmark fusion albums came out on major labels, Columbia above all, and were pressed in large numbers in the 1970s, so a clean original US pressing is often affordable secondhand. Reissues are plentiful too, including Music On Vinyl editions of part of the Columbia catalog. For 1970s jazz-funk, Creed Taylor's CTI label is a benchmark, known for Pete Turner's cover photography and a polished, lush production style. Check the jacket and inner sleeve too, since period copies have often seen heavy use.