Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.

Rio sambaLarry Carlton

Larry Carlton – Rio samba

A sharp, cutting guitar sound intertwines with neatly arranged, American pop–style percussion to create a very pleasing listen.

The crisp clarity of the synthesizer solo is another highlight, characterized by a plastic, polished flavor that’s miles away from anything earthy.

Street BeatTom Scott

Tom Scott – “Street Beat” (audio)

Included on the 1979 album “Street Beat.” Born in 1945 and hailing from Los Angeles, he is a leading saxophonist in the West Coast fusion scene and a three-time Grammy Award winner.

This track’s highly poppy, upbeat, and bright sound will lift your spirits.

101 EastboundFourplay

Fourplay – 101 Eastbound (audio)

Included on the 1991 album “Fourplay.” Formed in 1990.

It’s a true superband, bringing together fusion stars Bob James, Nathan East, Lee Ritenour, and Harvey Mason.

With such a star-studded lineup, the ensemble sound is absolutely top-notch.

Incident At NeshaburSantana

Santana – Incident At Neshabur

Santana, the American band led by Mexican-born guitarist Carlos Santana.

This is an instrumental masterpiece from their classic 1970 album Abraxas.

Jazz, rock, and Latin music fuse with fiery passion, and the whirlwind structure and improvisation are nothing short of breathtaking.

The piece quotes part of a composition by Horace Silver, then, in the latter half, shifts into a beautiful melody reminiscent of Aretha Franklin—a dramatic arrangement that’s truly compelling.

It’s said that the title carries a powerful message of revolution and liberation, and knowing that background deepens the experience even further.

Also featured on the soundtrack to the film Fillmore (released in 1972), this track is perfect for anyone who wants to feel the band’s musical evolution—or for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a soul-stirring performance.

Just The Two Of UsGrover Washington Jr.

Just the Two of Us

A track whose intro creates a unique atmosphere, with a prominently pushed bass drum and percussion, and synthesizer tones layered in the high register that ripple and sway.

It’s a classic by Grover Washington, Jr.

, the saxophonist from New York, USA.

With various instruments and playing techniques brought to the forefront, it’s a piece that can be enjoyed even by those who aren’t particularly into saxophone.

Boogie WaltzWeather Report

Boogie Woogie Waltz

This track, which opens the album Sweetnighter released in April 1973, is a nearly 13-minute instrumental that signaled Weather Report’s step into a new musical direction.

Beginning with rhythms laid down by drums and percussion, fragmentary motifs from keyboards and saxophone gradually layer on top of one another, drawing the listener into a vortex of groove.

The piece encapsulates the band’s ambition to shift from free improvisation toward a more structured, funk-inflected sound, achieving a compelling fusion of spontaneity and architectural beauty.

On the 1979 live album 8:30, they delivered an even more polished and powerful performance in a medley with another piece, captivating many fans.

It’s a perfect track for when you want to immerse yourself in music or experience an innovative sound.

Bright Size LifePat Metheny

Pat Metheny – Bright Size Life

Included on the 1976 album Bright Size Life.

Born in 1954 and hailing from Missouri, he is a guitarist and the leader of the Pat Metheny Group.

Amid a mellow, composed sound, the swirling, flowing guitar makes this a very cool track.