Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.

ExpansionsLonnie Liston Smith

Lonnie Liston Smith – Expansions (Official Audio)

Lonnie Liston Smith is an American jazz and funk musician.

This track was used in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and was sampled in DJ Sneak’s 1995 track “Expand Your Horizons.”

Mornin’Al Jarreau

Mornin’

This is a song by Al Jarreau, who also took a lead vocal on the legendary “We Are the World.” The guitar’s rhythmic approach is brought to the forefront and serves as a striking accent.

Al Jarreau’s supple, soaring vocals are beautiful, and as the arrangement steadily builds, his outstanding singing stretches out effortlessly, making this a thoroughly pleasing number.

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Murakami Shinpei

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NehandaAnne Paceo

Anne Paceo – Bright Shadows / Nehanda (official audio )

With a passionately sweat-inducing hot beat, ultra-short guitar riffs, and female vocals, this track has a folk-like character.

It’s “Nehanda” by the female drummer Anne Paceo.

As you’d expect from a drummer’s composition, I’d love for you to focus on the drums, but this isn’t a song where the drums reign supreme.

Instead, it’s an insanely cool piece of fusion where the highlight is the ensemble delivering the ultimate groove.

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Murakami Shinpei

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UnboundAlex Skolnick Trio

Unbound

Unbound is a piece by a fusion trio led by Alex Skolnick, guitarist of the thrash metal band Testament.

His virtuosic guitar work in Testament is incredible, but this track is also a luxury, letting you listen to his playing throughout the entire song.

The music unfolds with an abundance of dramatic melodies and rhythms, making it thoroughly compelling.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Straight To The HeartDavid Sanborn

David Sanborn – Straight To The Heart (High Quality)

When it comes to fusion saxophonists, the first name that comes up is David Sanborn.

A song of his I recommend is “Straight to the Heart.” The album Straight to the Heart, which includes this track, won the 1986 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance.

It’s a ballad where Sanborn’s signature bright, clearly defined sax tone shines over a mellow band sound.

In contrast, his ad-lib sections burst with intense, funky blowing—the gap is seriously cool, making this a must-listen track!

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Hamada Takuya

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Spanish MossBilly Cobham

Billy Cobham – Spanish Moss (1974)

Billy Cobham is a Panamanian-American jazz drummer who has been active since 1968.

He has been inducted into both the Modern Drummer and Classic Drummer Halls of Fame.

This track is included on the album Crosswinds, released in 1974.

The album reached No.

2 on the U.S.

charts.

Symphony For The DevilBlood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears “Symphony For The Devil / Sympathy For The Devil”

Originally released by The Rolling Stones in 1968.

This version by the New York jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears was released in 1970.

It was sampled on Necro’s 2003 track “Wreck the Rectum.”