The best Soul Jazz albums
of the 1970s.
Where to start with 1970–1979 soul jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1970s — soul jazz
Top picks from 1970–1979, ranked by where we would start.
Lonnie Smith
Afro–desia
A vibrant fusion of funk and jazz, layered with soulful grooves and dynamic improvisation.
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Lou Donaldson
Cosmos
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and bebop, infused with rich melodies and expressive improvisation.
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Lou Donaldson
A Different Scene
A smooth blend of soulful melodies and intricate jazz improvisation creates a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the album.
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Les McCann
Invitation to Openness
A fusion of jazz and soul, weaving intricate grooves with McCann's signature piano and expressive vocals.
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Les McCann
Comment
A rich tapestry of soulful melodies intertwined with jazz improvisation, reflecting both emotional depth and rhythmic flair.
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Lonnie Smith
Mama Wailer
A vibrant blend of soul jazz and funk, driven by infectious grooves and dynamic organ melodies.
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Pat Martino
Joyous Lake
A vibrant blend of intricate jazz fusion imbued with soulful melodies and adventurous improvisation.
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Pat Martino
Exit
A vibrant fusion of intricate guitar work and soulful improvisation, blending jazz traditions with innovative rhythms.
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Sonny Fortune
Waves of Dreams
A rich tapestry of modal jazz entwined with Afro-Cuban rhythms and exploratory improvisation that invites deep introspection.
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Jimmy McGriff
Electric Funk
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk rhythms, punctuated by energetic organ riffs and tight brass arrangements.
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Jimmy McGriff
Groove Grease
A vibrant fusion of jazz and soul, driven by infectious grooves and McGriff's signature Hammond organ riffs.
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Sonny Fortune
Long Before Our Mothers Cried
A fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and free jazz improvisation that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz forms.
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Gene Harris
Gene Harris of the Three Sounds
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and blues that showcases Gene Harris's dynamic piano work and soulful arrangements.
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Gene Harris
Nexus
A vibrant blend of jazz and funk, laced with soulful grooves and intricate piano arrangements.
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Johnny "Hammond" Smith
Gears
A vibrant fusion of soul jazz and funk, rich with lush organ tones and intricate rhythms that invite listeners to groove.
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Johnny "Hammond" Smith
Black Feeling!
Soul jazz grooves intertwine with deep funk rhythms, showcasing Hammond's virtuosic organ playing and infectious improvisational flair.
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Nat Adderley
Soul Zodiac
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul jazz captures the essence of the zodiac through intricate melodies and rhythmic exploration.
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