What makes Cosmic Funk by Lonnie Liston Smith notable?

'Cosmic Funk' is notable for its seamless integration of jazz and funk, influencing the acid jazz scene of the late 1980s and beyond. The album received critical acclaim upon release and has been recognized as a significant work within Smith's discography, often cited for its innovative sound that helped shape genre boundaries. Released in 1974, 'Cosmic Funk' was Lonnie Liston Smith's third album, following his successful work with the influential band the Cosmic Echoes. At this point, Smith was solidifying his identity as a pioneering figure in the jazz fusion movement, blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary funk and soul influences.