Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
Acid jazz is a music genre that was born in the UK in the 1980s.
Many of you have probably heard the name.
However, since acid jazz blends various genres into jazz, the vibe can differ greatly from track to track, so I imagine few people can instantly recall its melody.
This time, I’ve picked out some classic acid jazz tracks for those people.
There are plenty of lesser-known songs as well, so even those who regularly listen to acid jazz will find recommendations here!
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Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
NothingSandals
A band formed in 1988 around Ian Simmonds.
Even within the acid jazz movement, their performances and original expression drew attention.
Although they released their only album, “Rite To Silence,” in 1994, they disbanded soon after.
Today, they’re regarded as a cult band known only to those in the know.
SearchinRoy Ayers
Starting with a soulful sound, the interplay between the chorus and the horn section gives it a distinctly acid jazz feel.
The repeating phrase pattern and the wide-ranging vocal work are really cool.
The saxophone in the middle has an indescribably gritty vibe, and I felt it’s a hallmark of acid jazz that cherry-picks the best elements.
Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
Skunk FunkGalliano
They debuted in 1988 on Gilles Peterson’s Acid Jazz label with “Frederic Lies Still.” Later, when Gilles Peterson founded Talkin’ Loud in 1990, they were signed as the first contracted act.
The central figure is Rob Gallagher.
Everybody (With The People)Groove Collective
A jazz-funk group formed in New York.
They debuted in 1994 with the album “Groove Collective.” While the acid jazz movement was centered in the UK, they drew attention for being a New York–born example of acid jazz.
Like Leaves In The WindNicola Conte
This track has a Latin vibe, laying classic groove-music rhythms comfortably under the vocals.
Unlike a groove that aggressively pushes forward, the subtly felt sense of swing here is pleasantly smooth.
Acid jazz often builds a warm sound with a large ensemble, but this showed me there are other possible approaches—it was a learning experience.
Stoned WomanMother Earth
They released their first album, “Stoned Woman,” on the Acid Jazz label in 1992.
Their sound originally featured a strong rock influence centered on funky organ and distorted guitar, but their subsequent albums have become even more rock-oriented.
The FavoriteDirections In Groove
Needless to say, this is feel-good jazz-funk.
The true roots of acid jazz lie in instrumental tracks like this, led by a horn section in a funk style.
I do enjoy songs that put the focus on vocals and chorus, but using vocals in a supporting role in an instrumental piece, as in this track, feels quintessentially acid jazz.