Masters who perform jazz fusion: A roundup of representative international artists

New York on My MindJohn McLaughlin

New York On My Mind

John McLaughlin, the English guitarist renowned as a revolutionary figure in jazz fusion, is almost too famous to need an introduction.

Many would say he blossomed as a talent in Miles Davis’s band.

The Mahavishnu Orchestra he formed fused jazz, rock, and Indian music with remarkable finesse, sending shockwaves through the music scene of the time.

The blistering, high-velocity phrases born of his virtuosic technique were like a flood of sound.

To create music this thrilling and innovative can only be called genius.

The sound his guitar forged is practically the history of fusion itself.

BirdlandJoe Zawinul

Birdland

Joe Zawinul, the Austrian keyboardist known for pioneering the world of jazz fusion.

Weather Report, the band he co-led with Wayne Shorter, is a legendary group that shines in the history of jazz.

Their signature tune Birdland is an astonishing piece where celebratory, synth-woven melodies fuse with funky rhythms.

Zawinul’s music is characterized by a grand sense of scale that skillfully incorporates elements of folk traditions from around the world—its sound is like a kaleidoscope of tones.

Be sure to experience his dynamic musical vision, which effortlessly transcends the boundaries of jazz.

Red BaronBilly Cobham

Billy Cobham – Red Baron

Billy Cobham, the Panama-born jazz drummer also known by the nickname “The King of Chops.” After sessions with Miles Davis and his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, which he co-founded, he drew major attention as a pioneer of jazz fusion.

His 1973 solo album Spectrum became a breakout hit that transcended the boundaries of jazz.

The virtuosic playing unleashed from his fortress-like, massive drum kit is absolutely breathtaking.

His powerful, innovative style has had a profound influence on later artists such as Prince, and he continues to earn praise for evolving even past the age of 80.

The ChickenJaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius-“The Chicken”

Jaco Pastorius, the American musician known as the “revolutionary who changed the history of the bass.” For many, just hearing his name conjures images of the jaw-dropping virtuosity that overturned the very concept of the electric bass.

Masterfully handling the fretless bass, his singing melodies and complex chords are nothing short of breathtaking.

His legendary work with the fusion band Weather Report and the huge sound he led with his own big band, Word of Mouth, continue to captivate listeners to this day.

The fervent performances born from his wild, unconventional life formed a truly one-of-a-kind world.

Encountering his music, which transcends the boundaries of jazz fusion, will undoubtedly reveal new charms of the bass as an instrument—this is an album that guarantees just that.

Looking GlassAllan Holdsworth

Allan Holdsworth – Looking Glass – Frankfurt ’97 – HQ audio

Allan Holdsworth, the innovative British guitarist praised by Frank Zappa as “the most interesting guitarist on the planet.” His signature legato technique flows with a saxophone-like smoothness that never fails to take listeners’ breath away.

You can fully experience his one-of-a-kind style on albums like Metal Fatigue.

He was always pursuing new sonic possibilities, too—such as performing synthesizer tones with the instrument known as the SynthAxe.

His complex, beautiful harmonies may sound daunting at first, but why not surrender yourself to the overwhelming flood of sound and enjoy a transcendent musical experience?

Snake OilTony Williams

Snake Oil

Tony Williams, the American drummer truly worthy of being called a revolutionary who rewrote the history of jazz drumming.

The story of him being chosen for Miles Davis’s band at just 17 is almost too famous.

He later led his own group, The Tony Williams Lifetime, whose sound—fusing the intensity of rock with jazz—shocked countless musicians.

His drumming, while dazzlingly virtuosic like sparks flying, also drives the entire band forward like a powerful engine.

It may sound complex and challenging at first, but it’s actually a thrilling musical conversation to enjoy.

Why not start with his landmark album Emergency! and experience that innovative world for yourself?

FootprintsWayne Shorter

Footprints (Remastered)

Wayne Shorter, the American saxophonist whose name is etched deeply into the history of jazz.

Weather Report, the band he formed with Joe Zawinul, brilliantly fused jazz and rock, making a seismic impact on the fusion scene.

The melodies that flow from his saxophone shift like a kaleidoscope, instantly drawing listeners into his world.

His playing, which seems to swim freely through complex harmonies, is truly the work of a sonic magician.

It may sound challenging at first, but when you touch the passion and innovative sonority at its core, you’ll be enveloped by an indescribable sense of awe!