Genre Definition
What is Jazz Fusion music?
Jazz Fusion is a music genre that originated 1969--present. USA, late 1960s.
Origin of Jazz Fusion
USA, late 1960s. Miles Davis's In a Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970) fused jazz improvisation with rock electric instruments and rhythms. Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters developed it into a commercially successful form through the 1970s.
Era: 1969--present
Defining sound of Jazz Fusion
Jazz harmony and improvisation over electric instruments -- Fender Rhodes, electric bass, synthesizers, wah-wah guitar. Rhythms drawn from funk, rock, and world music. Virtuosic playing is central. BPM varies from funk groove to frantic fusion. Longer song forms than traditional jazz.
Essential Jazz Fusion albums
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Pioneers of Jazz Fusion
- Miles Davis
- John McLaughlin
- Herbie Hancock
- Chick Corea
- Weather Report
Key Jazz Fusion artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Jazz Fusion
- When did Jazz Fusion start?
- Jazz Fusion originated 1969--present. USA, late 1960s.
- Who invented Jazz Fusion?
- Jazz Fusion was pioneered by Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Weather Report. USA, late 1960s. Miles Davis's In a Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970) fused jazz improvisation with rock electric instruments and rhythms. Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters developed it into a commercially successful form through the 1970s.
- Is Jazz Fusion still popular?
- Jazz Fusion continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Pat Metheny, Return to Forever, Snarky Puppy, Kamasi Washington.
- What does Jazz Fusion sound like?
- Jazz harmony and improvisation over electric instruments -- Fender Rhodes, electric bass, synthesizers, wah-wah guitar. Rhythms drawn from funk, rock, and world music. Virtuosic playing is central. BPM varies from funk groove to frantic fusion. Longer song forms than traditional jazz.
- What is the difference between Jazz Fusion and jazz?
- Jazz Fusion and jazz are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the jazz definition page for a full comparison.
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