What makes I Need Some Money by Eddie Harris notable?

This album was significant for its fusion of jazz and funk elements, contributing to the broader jazz-funk movement of the mid-1970s. Its title track reached notable chart positions, reflecting Harris's growing appeal and influence on both jazz and popular music scenes during this period. Released in 1975, I Need Some Money marks Eddie Harris's return to the studio after a brief hiatus following his acclaimed album, The Electrifying Eddie Harris. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering jazz musician who seamlessly merged genres, particularly incorporating funk into jazz frameworks.

Who is I Need Some Money for?

I Need Some Money works well if you're into energetic grooves for dancing, improvisational spirit and exploration and for lively gatherings.

How many songs are on I Need Some Money?

I Need Some Money has 7 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

I Need Some Money

Eddie Harris · 1975

45 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and funk grooves, layered with Harris's signature saxophone improvisations and a spirited ensemble energy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Need Some Money — The title track captures the album's essence with its catchy hook and infectious rhythm, showcasing Harris’s skillful saxophone work intertwined with lively arrangements.
→
Get on Down — This extended jam exemplifies Harris's ability to blend improvisation with structured grooves, allowing both the band and listeners to experience a sense of freedom and spontaneity.
→
I Don't Want Nobody — At nearly twelve minutes long, this track features intricate solos and a slow-building intensity, demonstrating Harris’s prowess in stretching musical ideas while maintaining listener engagement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and a vibrant blend of jazz and funk, contributing to its distinct sound.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisational sections, allowing Harris's saxophone to explore various melodic ideas over rhythmic backing.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

energetic grooves for dancing
improvisational spirit and exploration
for lively gatherings
playful rhythms to uplift mood

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1975, I Need Some Money marks Eddie Harris's return to the studio after a brief hiatus following his acclaimed album, The Electrifying Eddie Harris. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering jazz musician who seamlessly merged genres, particularly incorporating funk into jazz frameworks.
Stylistic neighbors: Sun Ra· Herbie Hancock· Pharoah Sanders