Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz

DoradoBlue Mitchell

Dorado

Blue Mitchell, an American jazz trumpeter and a beloved figure who epitomized the hard bop era that surged through the modern jazz scene in the 1950s and 60s.

Among his extensive discography, some of his 1970s works went on to influence the later acid jazz scene, and the album Graffiti Blues—on which this track appears—is a prime example.

Heavy funk-infused grooves, a gritty harmonica, Joe Sample’s electric piano, and a trumpet tone brimming with lyricism… along with an ultra-cool cover, this is an essential classic you should definitely know.

Ease My Mind (feat. Tre Hardson, Fat Lip, Omni)Jazz Liberatorz

Ease My Mind (feat. Tre Hardson, Fat Lip, Omni)

Jazz Liberatorz is a producer trio from Meaux, France.

Formed by DJ Damage, Dusty, and Madhi, they are known for crafting hip-hop infused with a deep love for 1970s–1980s jazz and soul.

Their debut album, Clin d’oeil, released in 2008, is a masterpiece that sold over 100,000 copies in France and is celebrated as a classic of jazz hip-hop.

The album’s appeal lies not only in collaborations with accomplished American MCs such as Fat Lip, Tre Hardson, and J-Live, but also in its production, which deftly fuses samples from ’70s jazz-fusion with live instrumentation.

This is a highly recommended record for anyone seeking music that bridges jazz and hip-hop, or looking for hip-hop that incorporates authentic jazz elements.

Stormy SpringHimiko Kikuchi

Himiko Kikuchi – Stormy Spring

A pianist and keyboardist born in Sendai, she has performed with numerous bands including Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats and Junko Ohashi & Minoya Central Station, while continually releasing outstanding work as a solo artist—a female artist recognized worldwide.

Her 1980 debut, DON’T BE STUPID, is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as a masterpiece in jazz fusion history.

It includes many classic tracks, such as What’s Baby Singin’, later favored by overseas DJs for its cool blend of scat and Japanese-style Brazilian vibes.

Highly recommended for fans of so-called light mellow and Japanese groove music as well!

Magic LadyJeff Lorber Fusion

Jeff Lorber Fusion Magic Lady 1981

Jazz is often considered a treasure trove of samples in genres like hip-hop, and the album Galaxian, released in 1981 by the renowned Philadelphia-born keyboardist and producer Jeff Lorber under the name Jeff Lorber Fusion, is a prime example loved as a source material.

Starting with the mellow classic Night Love, sampled by JAY-Z for his track Who You Wit 2, the album also features Monster Man, where slap bass explodes into a powerful groove, and Magic Lady, whose refined funkiness feels superb—making it full of tracks highly recommended for acid jazz fans as well.

Turn On, Tune In, Cop OutFreak Power

Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out (Radio Edit)

Freak Power, a pivotal force in the UK-born acid jazz scene! The group was formed in 1993 by Norman Cook—who would later gain worldwide fame as Fatboy Slim—and trombonist Ashley Slater.

Their 1994 debut album, Drive-Thru Booty, is a masterpiece that brilliantly blends acid jazz, funk, soul, and trip-hop.

The track Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out was featured in a Levi’s commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the UK charts, marking significant commercial success.

With its club-oriented, groovy sound, the album became a historic classic, hugely popular among the party generation of the time.

Givin’ It UpIncognito

Incognito – Givin’ It Up

Incognito, a flagship of acid jazz and a long-running band formed in the UK in 1979.

Centered around leader Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, their 1993 release Positivity is truly a masterpiece that epitomizes the golden age of acid jazz! Seamlessly blending jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, their sound enjoyed massive support from the club scene, and the tracks featuring Maysa Leak’s vocals in particular boast an overwhelming level of polish.

With a substantial 14 tracks spanning about 66 minutes, the sophisticated arrangements and powerful horn sections remain utterly undiminished more than 30 years after its release—if anything, the album continues to reveal its true worth even more today.

Brother SisterThe Brand New Heavies

The Brand New Heavies – Brother Sister (Official Video)

The Brand New Heavies, a quintessential British acid jazz–funk group! There are countless music fans whose spirits lift the moment they hear their sound.

While the band has produced many classic albums, here we’re spotlighting their third studio album, Brother Sister, released in 1994.

Featuring hits like Dream On Dreamer and Spend Some Time, it stands as a true landmark in the history of acid jazz.

It was also the last album to feature lead vocalist N’Dea Davenport, offering a blissful musical experience where her soulful voice merges with the band’s superb musicianship.

As evidenced by its peak at No.

4 on the UK Albums Chart and its Platinum certification, it’s a masterpiece that achieved both commercial and critical success.