Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.

Street Fighter MasKamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington – Street Fighter Mas

Amid the many artists breathing new life into the contemporary jazz scene, Los Angeles–born saxophonist Kamasi Washington is undoubtedly one of them.

His music captivates with a grand sense of scale that fuses diverse genres.

The piece introduced here is a track he released as a single in June 2018 and also included on that year’s album Heaven and Earth—one inspired by a well-known competitive fighting game.

Kamasi has said he created it as his own theme song, like a boxer’s entrance music.

The work reflects his childhood memories of being absorbed in arcade games and his wish for peace—if only conflicts could be settled through games.

Over a simple yet powerful funk-drum groove, epic melodies and improvisational solos intertwine, brimming with energy that lifts the listener.

The pseudo–silent film–style music video is also striking and was recognized as a visual work, earning a nomination at the UK Music Video Awards.

If you want to experience a new form of fusion or explore modern jazz, this is a must-check.

SleepwalkLarry Carlton

Larry Carlton – Sleepwalk

“Sleepwalk” is the title track from guitarist Larry Carlton’s album Sleepwalk, showcasing his bluesy playing.

The song is a cover of Santo & Johnny’s original, in which the melody is played on slide guitar, but in Larry’s version he sings it out with his signature sweet tone.

The band, who deliberately keep to a restrained backing role, also deliver a breathtaking performance.

It’s a track I highly recommend you listen to!

John McLaughlinMiles Davis

Miles Davis – John McLaughlin

“John McLaughlin” is a track by Miles Davis, the jazz trumpeter who brought electric sounds into jazz and forged fusion.

The title comes from the name of guitarist John McLaughlin, who supported Miles’s band.

It’s included on the landmark 1970 album Bitches Brew, on which McLaughlin also appears.

Each musician’s improvisation creates a chaotic sound world, but that’s exactly what makes it innovative and cool.

The Noonward RaceMahavishnu Orchestra

The Noonward Race

The Mahavishnu Orchestra, known for pioneering the frontiers of jazz-rock.

Their debut album, The Inner Mounting Flame, released in November 1971, reached No.

11 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

This piece, one of the tracks on the album, brims with intense energy.

Centered on John McLaughlin’s guitar and Billy Cobham’s drums, the performance unfolds as an innovative sound that fuses jazz, rock, and Indian music.

The complex rhythms, the tension created by shifting time signatures, and the virtuosic technique make it feel like a sonic martial art.

Famously performed with fiery intensity at the Mar y Sol Pop Festival in April 1972, this track is irresistible for anyone seeking a groundbreaking musical experience.

Brazilian Love AffairGeorge Duke

George Duke (1946 – 2013) feat. Gabriela Anders – Brazilian Love Affair

The title track included on American keyboardist George Duke’s classic album “A Brazilian Love Affair” is “A Brazilian Love Affair.” The way George Duke plays looks so joyful that it lifts your spirits just watching him.

The song has a touch of Latin flair, with a stylish and sophisticated chord progression.

Beyond the great keyboard work, you can also fully enjoy George Duke’s vocals, so be sure to give it a listen!

In A Silent WayMiles Davis

In a Silent Way

Miles Davis, a giant who transcended the bounds of jazz and opened new musical horizons.

Born in America, he led jazz in its many forms.

Released in July 1969 and reaching No.

3 on the jazz LP charts, the classic album “In a Silent Way” heralded the dawn of fusion and continues to influence fans today.

Its title track, even without lyrics, resonates deeply with the heart.

The meditative soundscape woven by electric instruments makes you forget the noise of everyday life and invites calm introspection.

This is an album to meet when you want to immerse yourself in music or experience truly innovative sound.

TrinitySnarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy – Trinity (Extended Version) (Empire Central)

Snarky Puppy, the American music collective drawing attention with a genre-defying sound, added to their discography in 2022 an instrumental number imbued with deep respect for the land of Texas and their musical roots—an embodiment of new possibilities in fusion music.

Conceived primarily by guitarist Mark Lettieri, the piece vividly paints, through sound, the imagery of rivers flowing through their home state of Texas and the spiritual essence of the gospel music rooted there.

Beginning in hush and gradually building in intensity over roughly eight minutes, its progression is truly compelling.

The thick ensemble unique to a large band—guitars, keyboards, and horn section woven together—creates a dynamic sonic tapestry that invites the listener into a grand world.

The track first appeared as a single in June 2022 and was later included on that year’s acclaimed album Empire Central.

The album won Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 65th Grammy Awards, a testament to its assured quality.

It’s a must-hear for those who love expansive-scale fusion and meticulously crafted ensembles.