A prestigious acid jazz band from overseas. Iconic songs originating from the UK.
Acid jazz, born in the UK in the 1980s.
This music—an exquisite blend of jazz, funk, and soul—was defined by figures like Chris Bangs and Eddie Piller.
Its groovy, dancefloor-shaking beats, sophisticated melodies, and soothing crossover sound have captivated listeners across racial and cultural boundaries.
We present a selection of gem-like masterpieces created by top-tier UK artists such as Incognito and Jamiroquai.
A renowned overseas acid jazz band. Classic songs born in the UK (1–10)
Dream Come TrueThe Brand New Heavies
The Brand New Heavies were formed in the 1980s as an instrumental acid jazz group called Brother International.
In 1990, they signed with Acid Jazz Records and released The Brand New Heavies; “Dream Come True” is a single from that studio album.
Always ThereIncognito
Incognito is an acid jazz band formed in 1981 in London, England, and one of the groups that helped create the acid jazz movement.
“Always There” is a 1991 track that reached No.
6 on the UK (Music Week) chart and was released on Talkin’ Loud, the label founded by Gilles Peterson in 1991.
Sands Of TimeMonday Michiru
Michiru Monday is a Japanese-American female singer-songwriter and one of the leading divas of Japan’s club jazz and acid jazz scenes.
“Send Of Time” is a track from Nexus’s album released in 2008, which was sold exclusively online in the United States.
T-JamGeorge Duke
George Duke, the American musical maestro who moved freely across a wide range of genres.
He began playing piano at age four, gained attention in 1969 through his collaboration with Jean-Luc Ponty, and later performed with Frank Zappa.
He launched a full-fledged solo career in the 1970s, achieving commercial success with his 1977 album “Reach for It.” His achievements include Grammy Awards in 2001 and 2002 for albums by Dianne Reeves, and his legacy lives on in samples by contemporary artists like Daft Punk and Kanye West.
Perfect for listeners seeking sophisticated grooves that transcend the boundaries of jazz and funk.
LounginGuru
American rapper Guru was a pioneering figure who masterfully blended jazz and hip-hop from the late 1980s onward.
Born Keith Edward Elam, he emerged on the music scene in 1989 as the MC of Gang Starr with DJ Premier, debuting with No More Mr.
Nice Guy.
In 1993, he launched the innovative project Jazzmatazz, collaborating with jazz musicians.
As an emblem of East Coast hip-hop, his distinct monotone voice and socially conscious lyrics captivated music fans across genres.
He’s the perfect artist for those seeking an intelligent, refined groove.
Doo Uap, Doo Uap, Doo UapGabin
Gabin, based in Rome, Italy, is a musical duo that delivers a refined sound at the intersection of jazz and electronica.
Formed in 2001, the pair emerged from the fusion of talents between bassist Massimo and DJ Filippo.
Their 2002 debut album, Gabin, earned international acclaim, and their tracks have been featured in the film Fantastic Four and the hit TV series Sex and the City.
Blending jazz improvisation with club music beats, their music colored the acid jazz scene for roughly sixteen years until their disbandment in February 2017.
They are recommended for listeners who appreciate a sophisticated urban atmosphere and enjoy exploring music that transcends genre boundaries.
You Will RiseSweetback
Sweetback continue their refined sonic adventure.
Formed in London, UK in 1994, the group is a project by three members of the world-renowned band Sade.
They pursue “global soul music” that dissolves genre boundaries, from acid jazz to trip-hop.
Their debut album, Sweetback, was released in 1996, with tracks like “Softly, Softly” attracting attention.
In 2004, they released Stage 2, their first album in eight years.
Their distinctive approach of featuring guest vocalists on each track testifies to their meticulous musicianship and sophisticated musical sensibility.
Perfect for those seeking both dancefloor euphoria and soothing relaxation.