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 (41–50)
Hands Up If You Wanna Be LovedIncognito
This is a relatively new track by Incognito, the masters of acid jazz.
In the generally warm-spirited world of acid jazz, its tense groove is captivating.
The opening “da-da” hit is incredibly tight, and when I heard it performed live with such convincing energy, it gave me goosebumps.
They’re an amazing band that can steal your heart with just a single, fleeting accent.
RushFreak Power
A poppy funk beat whose nimble bass phrases evoke jazz-funk.
It’s the kind of groove that simply puts cool front and center—the very essence of acid jazz’s roots—and it always feels great to hear.
The slap bass in the middle is funky and spot-on, too.
A track that truly embodies the spirit of funk.
RockitHerbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock, an American jazz pianist who leads the jazz scene.
This track makes heavy use of synths and scratching—elements that can be seen as a futuristic take on acid jazz—delivering an immediate impact.
It’s perfect as background music for a cool entrance scene.
Time After TimeMiles Davis
I’m Miles Davis, a jazz trumpeter from the United States.
This instrumental track has the stylish vibe characteristic of acid jazz; it doesn’t use a lot of notes, yet it feels very warm, and the wistful trumpet melody really touches the heart.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy acid jazz that isn’t all about flashiness.
MiniCorduroy
Formed in 1991 by brothers Ben Addison on drums and Scott Addison on keyboards.
Although they were a band that took the acid jazz movement by storm, their sound is fairly pop with a strong mod flavor.
Friendly PressureJhelisa
She debuted in 1994 with the album Galactica Rush.
She is a cousin of Carleen Anderson from Young Disciples.
She grew up in the Anderson family, a renowned musical lineage directly connected to James Brown.
She has also appeared as a guest on albums by Dana Bryant and Mondo Grosso.
There’s Nothing Like ThisOmar
He debuted with the album “There’s Nothing Like This,” produced as a home recording in 1990.
Despite being an indie release, it became a hit, leading to a contract with Talkin’ Loud, founded by Gilles Peterson.
He has earned high praise for his soulful style, which appears to be strongly influenced by Stevie Wonder.