Much of the same personnel to appear on Davis' groundbreaking Silent Way return to play out an epic set of distorted harmonics, extended jams and funky grooves. Reported tensions between Davis and producer Teo Macero heightened the album's staggering effect. It is impossible to overstate the profound influence of this album.
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Emergency! The Tony Williams Lifetime 1969 [Polydor]
A record that is just now earning its true place in jazz history because of its role in defining new directions for the fusion movement. With guitarist John McLaughlin and organist Larry Young on board, drummer Williams pumps up the volume and boldly goes where only rockers had gone before. An influential record, but showing its age.
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Straight Life Freddie Hubbard 1970 [CTI]
A solid hit-out featuring an all-star line-up - including saxophonist Joe Henderson, guitarist George Benson, Herbie Hancock on keyboards and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Even though the record clocks in at just over 36 minutes (and only three tracks), there is hardly a wasted moment and the playing is superb throughout. Fusion done well.
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Sugar Stanley Turrentine 1970 [CTI]
A no-holds-barred soul excursion that might surprise those only familiar with Turrentine's earlier Blue Note work. Aside from Turrentine's tenor, groove icons appearing include George Benson on guitar, Lonnie Liston Smith on electric piano and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Butch Cornell provides the obligatory Hammond organ.
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The Inner Mounting Flame The Mahavishnu Orchestra 1971 [Columbia]
Guitarist John McLaughlin was touted here as the heir-apparent to rock great Jimi Hendrix. Nevertheless, this is a bona-fide jazz record - albeit a very loud and fast one. Czech-born piano/synth player Jan Hammer and violinist Jerry Goodman shine on the album's quieter moments, but McLaughlin's double-necked guitar steals the show.
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Light As a Feather Chick Corea & Return to Forever 1972 [Polydor]
The title says it all - Feather is light and listenable electric jazz, with a touch of Latino thrown in for good measure. The recently released 2CD set contains the original album in its entirety on the first disc. This is quite simply wonderful music, with Stanley Clarke's seemingly effortless transition to electric bass an aural delight. Recommended.
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Heavy Weather Weather Report 1977 [Columbia]
Deadpanned by some jazz critics, but a big seller nevertheless. Studio leader Joe Zawinul contributes three tracks - including the hit 'Birdland' - all of which highlight his mastery of an array of keyboard instruments. Bassist Jaco Pastorius and saxophonist Wayne Shorter round out the group's sound, which some may find a bit dated.
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Pat Metheny Group Pat Metheny Group 1978 [ECM]
Hundreds of club-dates in every corner of America finally led to this breakthrough record for guitarist Metheny's group (featuring keyboardist Lyle Mays). The album is a timeless blend of floating melodies, acoustic nuances and progressive fusion. The group went on to become a major concert drawcard for many years afterward.
