Fusion

Fusion on vinyl: jazz plugged in

In short: Fusion emerged in the late sixties when jazz musicians picked up electric piano, electric guitar and synthesizer and took on rock and funk rhythms. Miles Davis opened the door; Weather Report, Return To Forever and Herbie Hancock walked through it. The Vinyl Room currently has 182 fusion records.

What is fusion?

With “In A Silent Way” (1969) Miles Davis deepened his experiments with electric instruments. Many of his musicians then founded groups of their own: Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter formed Weather Report, Chick Corea Return To Forever, John McLaughlin the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Herbie Hancock combined jazz and funk on “Head Hunters” (1973).

Our range runs from Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira with “Natural Feelings” via organist Larry Young and Joe Henderson’s “Canyon Lady” to Lee Oskar, David Axelrod and Japanese fusion by Hiromasa Suzuki.

What to look for

Many seventies fusion records came out in the US on big labels such as Columbia or on specialists such as CTI. You can often recognise Japanese editions by the obi, a paper strip around the sleeve. Whether a record is a first pressing is noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ Miles Davis · Jazz-funk · Jazz-rock · Jazz on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is fusion? Jazz with electric instruments and rhythms from rock and funk, born in the late sixties.

Who is regarded as a pioneer of fusion? Above all Miles Davis with “In A Silent Way” (1969).

Which bands and musicians shaped fusion? Among others Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Herbie Hancock.

What is the difference from jazz-funk? Fusion is the umbrella term; jazz-funk puts the emphasis on danceable funk grooves.