“Fusion” is a music genre that grew out of jazz, and true to its name, it blends a wide range of elements into a genuinely crossover sound that has produced countless classic albums and songs.
If you’re curious about fusion and want to sample a few tracks, this article introduces essential tunes—from soft, stylish numbers to complex, groundbreaking pieces.
Focusing mainly on overseas artists, we’ll cover beloved hits from years past, canonical staples, and standout tracks by artists who blend the hallmarks of jazz fusion with contemporary flair.
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the old days or searching for modern fusion, read on.
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Fusion music masterpieces. Recommended classic tracks (1–10)
Night Birdsshakatak
“Night Birds” is a song by Shakatak, a British fusion band that was active in the 1980s.
It was also used as incidental music in the TV dramas “Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari” and “Danjo Shichinin Aki Monogatari,” giving it high popularity and name recognition in Japan, and it won the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best Instrumental Album.
The mellow guitar and jazzy piano ad-libs in the middle section create a sophisticated sound.
Since the melody is played by piano and synth lead, it’s a great recommendation for keyboardists!
SpainChick Corea
Chick Corea, a jazz pianist from the United States, wrote Spain, a quintessential jazz-latin piece.
It’s also famous for using the second movement of the classical Concierto de Aranjuez in the intro.
With its minor-key chord progression and Latin rhythm, Spain really appeals to Japanese listeners, and I imagine quite a lot of people love it.
The fast tempo and the challenging unison phrase played by the whole band in the middle section let you fully appreciate the musicians’ technical prowess!
BirdlandWeather Report
“Birdland” is a track by Weather Report, a fusion band known for its unique sound and technical performance.
The melody, featuring bassist Jaco Pastorius’s use of bass harmonics, is especially striking.
Composed by keyboardist Joe Zawinul, the piece is also notable for its sound crafted with classic synthesizer greats like ARP and Oberheim.
The album Heavy Weather, which includes “Birdland,” is one of their masterpieces, and it’s a must-listen for fusion fans.
Just the two of usGrover Washington Jr.
“Just The Two of Us” is a track included on saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.
’s album “Winelight,” featuring Bill Withers as a guest vocalist.
It’s a standard that’s frequently performed in jam sessions and the like, and a renowned classic that’s very well known among musicians.
The phaser-treated Rhodes piano and the alto sax tone sound irresistibly mellow.
The contrast between the calm intro leading into the A section and the tight, punchy chorus is just unbelievably cool!
Breezin’George Benson
A track I highly recommend for fans of jazz and soul guitarists is “Breezin’.” It’s a piece by the hugely popular guitarist George Benson and a classic soul-style instrumental that’s a staple in jam sessions.
Unfortunately, you won’t hear his signature scatting-while-soloing here, but he delivers a mellow improvisation that rivals it.
Also, pay attention to the intro bass—it’s incredibly catchy with a fantastic bass line, so be sure to listen for that!
SMiLEDOMi & JD BECK
Domi and JD Beck have drawn attention with their jaw-dropping performance videos on social media and have even been called the “jazz ambassadors of Generation Z.” The duo—French keyboardist Domi Louna and American drummer JD Beck—released a lead single in April 2022 from their debut album NOT TiGHT, a track that blends playful charm with virtuosic technique to put a smile on your face.
Domi’s keyboards weave richly colored, ’70s fusion-style melodies with game-like electronic tones in a truly unique fusion, while JD Beck’s intricate, groovy drumming interlocks to create a sound brimming with youth and confidence.
The music video, directed by Anderson .
Paak and featuring Mac DeMarco, also drew plenty of buzz.
It’s perfect for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience—or a track to amp up your next drive!
ChameleonHerbie Hancock
When it comes to iconic tracks by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock—who achieved success with his distinctive sound blending jazz and funk—you can’t leave out “Chameleon.” It’s a funk tune featured as the first track on the landmark 1973 electric jazz album Head Hunters.
Since it can be played using just two chords, it’s relatively approachable for beginners and is a staple at funk jam sessions.
If you’re thinking about joining a session, definitely give “Chameleon” a try!