Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.

NehandaAnne Paceo

Anne Paceo – Bright Shadows / Nehanda (official audio )

With a passionately sweat-inducing hot beat, ultra-short guitar riffs, and female vocals, this track has a folk-like character.

It’s “Nehanda” by the female drummer Anne Paceo.

As you’d expect from a drummer’s composition, I’d love for you to focus on the drums, but this isn’t a song where the drums reign supreme.

Instead, it’s an insanely cool piece of fusion where the highlight is the ensemble delivering the ultimate groove.

Elegant PeopleJaco Pastorius

Elegant People (Live in Japan 1982)

A cover of a Weather Report song by Jaco, who once played with the band.

The Caribbean vibe naturally comes from the steel drums, and the album it’s on, “Holiday for Pans,” features them throughout.

Spanish MossBilly Cobham

Billy Cobham – Spanish Moss (1974)

Billy Cobham is a Panamanian-American jazz drummer who has been active since 1968.

He has been inducted into both the Modern Drummer and Classic Drummer Halls of Fame.

This track is included on the album Crosswinds, released in 1974.

The album reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

King CockroachChick Corea

Chick Corea Electric Band(trio) – King Cock Roach

While Chick Corea is known for fiercely technical playing in Return to Forever, in this project he delivers a much more relaxed arrangement that goes down smoothly.

That said, even though it sounds effortless, the sharpness of the rhythm is something else.

Freedom at MidnightDavid Benoit

David Benoit – Freedom At Midnight

David Benoit, an American pianist, is best known for his signature track “Freedom at Midnight.” The album of the same name, Freedom at Midnight, became a hit, reaching No.

5 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart.

The intro, which starts with rhythmic piano chords, is exciting just to listen to.

Abraham Laboriel’s driving slap bass is also fantastic—this is definitely a track you should check out!

Blue MatterJohn Scofield

John Scofield, July 1987: Blue Matter

John Scofield is an American jazz-rock guitarist and composer who has been active since the 1970s.

He is known for a wide range of sounds, including bebop, jazz fusion, funk, and blues.

This track was released in 1987.

Symphony For The DevilBlood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears “Symphony For The Devil / Sympathy For The Devil”

Originally released by The Rolling Stones in 1968.

This version by the New York jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears was released in 1970.

It was sampled on Necro’s 2003 track “Wreck the Rectum.”