Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
When I was focusing on this stuff, I liked Chick Corea, though it was his more recent stuff (at the time) with Electrik Band that grabbed me.
When I moved out here, I had to leave most of my stuff back West, including most of my albums and CDs. I have a handful, and the one that represents the Jazz Fusion era which I brought with me is called Elegant Gypsy, by Al DiMeola. Exceptionally cool stuff. Al is a phenomenal guitarist.
Herbie Hancock was doing some trippy stuff back then. I enjoyed a lot of his stuff. Perfect Machine comes to mind.
Mahavishnu Orchestra was root to a lot of Jan Hammer's future work, all of which I like, particularly all of his collaborations with Beck. Hammer produced an episode's worth of music a week when Miami Vice was at its peak--quite a feat considering the quality stuff he came up with.
Jeff Beck is a major player in this genre for me, though he crosses over into rock in my opinion. Beck is one my all-time favorite guitar players.
A most memorable concert at the Crest Theater in Sacramento was put on by Wayne Shorter, a saxophonist who was dipping into the fusion realm back then. His melodies, subtle phrasing nuances, and exacting articulation were amazing.
I saw John Scofield at the Crest that same year. He's a great guitarist and songwriter.
At about that time I was listening to David Sanborn a lot, but I'm not sure his stuff would really qualify as Jazz Fusion. Some of it, but not his more popular stuff. Overall I think he's a superb saxophone player.
Hmm ... re-reading this, it seems I have a lot of 'stuff' on my mind. Oh well, this isn't a writing contest.
Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
OMG, how many more music threads can you come up with!? :o
Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
Ah yes! The Brecker Brothers. My memory is dim, but there was this song where the solos sounded like a rampaging herd of elephants trumpeting and aruging furiously. It was frikkin' awesome.
I like this clip of Al playing electric guitar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wx3JXoZnfg
I just about died laughing at the pronunciation of his name by the Japanese guy :laugh4:
Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
Re: Best Jazz Fusion band
*nominates King Crimson*
because I can