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[Western Music] Must-Know: A Roundup of Popular Overseas Fusion Bands

Fusion is often described as a subgenre of jazz, and—as the name “fusion” suggests—it’s characterized by a crossover sound that incorporates musical elements from a variety of genres.

Overseas it’s also called “jazz fusion,” but in Japan the fusion boom gave rise to popular bands that are still active today and exceptional players, making it a pivotal genre that has influenced many areas, including the recently popular city pop.

In this article, we’ve put together an overview of must-know international fusion bands to start with.

By learning not only about the bands but also the renowned players who were in them, your knowledge of fusion will deepen significantly!

[Western Music] Must-Know! A Roundup of Popular Overseas Fusion Bands (11–20)

Rock YouDIRTY LOOPS

One of Sweden’s leading fusion bands is Dirty Loops.

They began their musical activities in 2013, gaining recognition by posting covers of popular songs by famous artists on the internet, and eventually making their major-label debut.

The vocalist, Jonah Nilsson, has an impressively high range, so one of the band’s charms is enjoying his beautiful singing voice.

By the way, Dirty Loops have also covered famous Japanese songs, so be sure to give them a listen.

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God Make Me FunkyThe Headhunters

For bands with strong rock and funk elements, The Headhunters are also highly recommended.

Formed in 1973 around pianist Herbie Hancock, they became instant stars when their debut album, Head Hunters, became a sensational hit.

By the way, many of their songs subtly incorporate elements of African music and music originating in the Caribbean as a hidden touch.

You’ll surely be captivated by their soulful vocals.

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Matinee IdolYellowjackets

Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, the jazz fusion band Yellowjackets is known for its diverse musicality that transcends the boundaries of jazz.

They quickly gained attention with their debut album Yellowjackets and found success with albums such as Mirage A Trois and Samurai Samba.

Their achievements have been highly acclaimed, with two Grammy wins and seventeen nominations to date.

Their music spans a wide emotional range—from energetic and joyful to romantic, melancholic, and sentimental—and is crafted to suit various situations, such as relaxation or driving.

While rooted in jazz, their sound incorporates styles like crossover jazz and smooth jazz, making it a great choice for listeners who enjoy music unconstrained by genre.

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JoyShakti

John McLaughlin & Shakti “Joy” (Live Montreux 1976)
JoyShakti

For those who want to hear a more unique fusion, Shakti is also highly recommended.

The band consists of guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L.

Shankar, and percussionists Zakir Hussain and T.H.

Vinayakram.

It’s made up of an international lineup, and their tracks have a distinctly exotic atmosphere.

The music strongly incorporates elements of both North and South Indian traditions.

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BirdfingersThe Eleventh House

Larry Coryell was one of the earliest musicians to blend jazz with rock and classical music—it’s no exaggeration to call him a pioneer of the fusion scene.

The band he formed and led was The Eleventh House.

After their formation in 1973, they turned out a string of classic albums and secured a firm place in music history.

They were also renowned for their outstanding live performances.

I highly recommend checking out their live recordings.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, even in the 2020s the methodologies and approaches of the jazz fusion genre have taken root across a variety of styles, and there are many bands that have updated the sound for the modern day.

You can get thrilled by technical performances or lose yourself in sleek, urban sophistication—either way works! I’d be delighted if you’ve found a fusion band that suits your tastes.