Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.

Aruban NightsBobby Lyle

Aruban Nights

A piece by American pianist Bobby Lyle that depicts a night in Aruba, a South American resort.

His flowing piano performance meshes pleasantly with the fusion rhythm, making the Aruba night vividly unfold before your eyes.

Both the rhythmic phrasing and the dynamics are especially stylish—an adult’s track to savor with a drink in hand, eyes closed, fully immersed.

Whistle BumpDeodato

Whistle Bump

A track by Deodato, who rose to prominence in 1970 and became a pioneering figure in fusion.

Although this song is also from the late ’70s, its fresh, striking tones still feel new today.

The guitar playfully darts around over a 16-beat shaker groove, and elements like percussion and whistles add to the fun—making it a track that was, and still is, a pleasure to the ears and one that makes you want to move your body as you listen.

Sky HighDonald Byrd

Donald Byrd – Sky High

A track from his classic album Black Byrd, by an artist who was among the first modern jazz musicians to turn his attention to rock sounds and fusion.

Listening now, it isn’t flashy, but considering he had taken part in numerous bebop projects on the Blue Note label, it seems he was quite determined to change his approach.

See the LightEddie Russ

Eddie Russ “see the light”

The intro, with its steadily building synth pads and percussion, is truly fantastic, and when the main part begins, it unfolds into a blissful progression that feels like pushing through the clouds into paradise.

The fact that it sounds strikingly similar to a certain Herbie Hancock track doesn’t bother me at all…!?

From Gagarin’s Point of ViewEsbjörn Svensson Trio

From Gagarin’s Point of View

This is a track where the warm tone of the slow-tempo wood bass beautifully highlights the piano.

The sustained tones in the background are also striking, enhancing the song’s atmosphere.

I don’t know what kind of situation the composer had in mind, but there’s an unsettling mood and a unique sense of tension.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to in a dark room at midnight.

One WishHiroshima

Hiroshima – One Wish

Included on the 1985 album “Another Place.” A five-piece band formed in 1974 in Los Angeles, mainly consisting of third-generation Japanese Americans.

Their sound is characterized by an awareness of oriental world music, featuring instruments like the koto and taiko drums.

The koto woven into the fusion setting creates an unusual resonance that, conversely, sounds refreshingly new.

Samba All Day LongJorge Dalto

Jorge Dalto – Samba all day long

This work is categorized as so-called Brazilian fusion.

However, he is from Argentina and, strictly speaking, is also a Spanish-speaking musician.

The sound is light and lively, but it’s regrettable that he passed away at the age of 38.