In the late 1960s jazz musicians began to use electric instruments and take on the influence of the rock music and funk that were popular at the time.
Larry Coryell’s Free Spirits was an important band early in the new music’s development, as was Charles Lloyd’s quartet, which played to large audiences and was associated with the psychedelic rock scene of the day.
Miles Davis recorded Bitches Brew and In a Silent Way in 1969, both of which were controversial with jazz purists, with long tunes and loose, improvised forms.
Herbie Hancock’s funky brand of fusion in the 1970s also incorporated elements of disco and soul, while others, like Weather Report and some of Wayne Shorter’s solo work utilised intricate forms and chord sequences.
Key Fusion albums
We put together a list of 10 of the most influential jazz fusion albums of all time which you can read in full, or else here’s our quick list:
Album & Key Track
Miles Davis – In a Silent Way In a Silent Way
Herbie Hancock – Headhunters Watermelon Man
Wayne Shorter – Atlantis When You Dream
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew Spanish Key
