A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
The history of jazz is, quite simply, a story of evolution.
Starting with big band and, over time, incorporating elements that differed from earlier jazz—such as bebop, modal jazz, and fusion—new forms of jazz emerged along the way.
Among them, a uniquely developed style is what’s known as jazz-funk: music that integrates elements of funk, soul, and R&B while emphasizing groove.
Many of these timeless classics—often used as sampling sources in hip-hop—offer enduring appeal.
Enjoy!
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A jazz-funk classic. Recommended popular tracks with a different flavor from jazz (21–30)
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A ThingIncognito
A London-based acid jazz band and a catalyst for the acid jazz movement.
The name Incognito means “anonymous.” They took the world by storm with danceable pop structures infused with a soul/R&B sensibility.
The track is a cover of a song from Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions, arranged uptempo to suit the dance floor.
The PathRalph MacDonald
Ralph MacDonald, an American artist who blends the Caribbean sun with New York’s urban sensibility.
His 1978 album The Path features an over 17-minute instrumental suite of the same name that is truly a grand epic woven in sound.
Beginning in Africa, then crossing the Caribbean to the American continent, the music’s journey is vividly drawn through the lively interplay of steel pan and congas.
There are no lyrics, yet the groove clearly conveys the birth of new music born from the mingling of diverse cultures.
This innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and Caribbean music is highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the profound depth that music can hold.
Jazz-funk masterpieces: 10 highly recommended popular tracks (31–40) that offer a different flavor from traditional jazz
North CarolinaLes McCann
A pianist from Lexington.
Active since the 1960s, he backed a wide range of artists including Wilson Pickett, Ike & Tina Turner, Santana, and Roberta Flack.
The track is from the 1972 album “Talk to the People.” It’s a song where the melody of the electric piano shines with a powerful funk appeal.
High GearNeil Larsen
A Hammond organ player from Cleveland.
While he leans more toward soul and R&B than jazz and excels at catchy, pop-leaning tunes, his highly distinctive hallmark is playing the Hammond organ and piano in unison.
The result is funky yet very accessible.
The track is from his second album, released in 1979.
The Live Mix, Part 1Breakestra
Formed in 1997, this funk band hails from California.
They primarily perform covers of funk, jazz, and soul, and their style also incorporates hip-hop from the ’80s and ’90s.
They include rap as well, featuring artists such as Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli rapper Chali 2na.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some classic jazz-funk tracks that have a unique appeal distinct from fusion, which evolved from jazz, and from the solid-sounding funk. Born as jazz evolved by absorbing diverse genres, jazz-funk is sometimes shunned by listeners who love straight-ahead funk with its emphasis on tight rhythms. Yet its funk sound, accompanied by a distinctive sense of swing, offers a groove you won’t find in other music. I hope you discover a new favorite track.