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!
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- Start here first! Classic jazz-rock masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
- Danceable Jazz! Classic and Recommended Albums of Acid Jazz
- A prestigious acid jazz band from overseas. Iconic songs originating from the UK.
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- Hall of Jazz: Classic Blue Note Records. Recommended jazz albums.
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album
- Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New!
- [Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall
- What is jazz: If someone asks you to make it sound jazzy, what should you do?
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
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.