A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
Even when we talk about jazz in general, there are many subgenres, and quite a few have undergone their own unique evolution.
The “jazz-funk” featured in this article, as the name suggests, incorporates funk elements into jazz.
In fact, the term really took hold from the 1980s into the 1990s.
In other words, many works were rediscovered and reevaluated by later DJs and musicians, and the genre is also highly popular as a source for samples in hip-hop.
To get to know jazz-funk, we’ve put together not only classic staples from the 1970s that you should start with, but also recent noteworthy albums that embody jazz-funk sensibilities.
Whether you’re a beginner or already have some knowledge, please take a look!
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- [Western Music] Classic Jazz Fusion Masterpieces: Must-Listen Recommended Albums [2025]
- Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Western Music] Classic jazz guitar albums: recommended records you should listen to at least once
- [2025] Classic Jazz Vocal Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
- Must-know standards for joining a jazz-funk session
- A prestigious acid jazz band from overseas. Iconic songs originating from the UK.
- [Western Music] Must-Know: A Roundup of Popular Overseas Fusion Bands
- Recommended for rock fans too! — A classic album of modern blues
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums: from staples to the latest releases (11–20)
Harlem River DriveBobbi Humphrey
Jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey, who still commands respect from many listeners and artists today.
Since she was also active as a vocalist, many of you may find her songs familiar.
One of her classic albums is Black and Blues.
Teaming up with the Mizell Brothers—also known for producing Donald Byrd’s albums—she released it in 1973.
The credits list Larry Mizell as the composer, but in reality, Humphrey improvised melodies over the chords Mizell had devised.
In conclusion
As you’ll see if you check out all the albums introduced this time, it’s interesting that the selection includes not only records considered important in jazz history, but also albums that sold well in the realm of popular music and others that aren’t particularly well-known.
If you’ve fallen for the captivating grooves of jazz-funk, I highly recommend diving deeper!