Essential 1990s jazz-funk

The best Jazz-Funk albums of the 1990s.

Where to start with 1990–1999 jazz-funk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 1990s — jazz-funk

Top picks from 1990–1999, ranked by where we would start.

Gershwin's World

Herbie Hancock

Gershwin's World

A vibrant fusion of jazz and orchestral arrangements breathing new life into Gershwin's timeless classics.

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Travelling Without Moving

Jamiroquai

Travelling Without Moving

A vibrant fusion of acid jazz and funk that propels listeners into a futuristic dance groove.

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Emergency on Planet Earth

Jamiroquai

Emergency on Planet Earth

A vibrant fusion of acid jazz and funk, layered with socially conscious lyrics and infectious grooves.

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Appassionata

Ramsey Lewis

Appassionata

A lush blend of classical melodies and jazz improvisation creates a transcendent listening experience that bridges genres.

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Sky Islands

Ramsey Lewis

Sky Islands

A vibrant fusion of jazz and pop melodies, layered with rich harmonies and rhythmic grooves that invite listeners to escape into sound.

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1 + 1

Herbie Hancock

1 + 1

A mesmerizing blend of jazz fusion and electronic elements, creating a soundscape both contemplative and vibrant.

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Holiday for Pans

Jaco Pastorius

Holiday for Pans

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, showcasing intricate bass lines and imaginative arrangements that push the boundaries of traditional jazz.

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I Love You Like You Are

Ray Parker Jr.

I Love You Like You Are

Smooth jazz-funk grooves blend with soulful melodies, creating an inviting soundscape that showcases Parker's vocal charm and guitar prowess.

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Forever Now

Level 42

Forever Now

A fusion of jazz-funk and pop rock, blending intricate grooves with introspective lyrics that explore personal themes.

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Remembering Christmas

David Benoit

Remembering Christmas

A soothing blend of jazz elegance and holiday cheer, evoking warmth and nostalgia through timeless Christmas melodies.

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Inner Motion

David Benoit

Inner Motion

A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and funk, weaving intricate melodies with rhythmic grooves that invite both introspection and celebration.

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With the Tenors of Our Time

Roy Hargrove

With the Tenors of Our Time

A vibrant blend of jazz and funk, rich with intricate arrangements and soulful improvisations that pay homage to jazz legends.

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Guaranteed

Level 42

Guaranteed

A blend of dance-rock rhythms and jazz-funk grooves, layered with introspective lyrics and vibrant melodies.

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Habana

Roy Hargrove

Habana

A vibrant blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and modern jazz, showcasing Hargrove's trumpet prowess and the ensemble's rich textures.

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From Now On

Sonny Fortune

From Now On

A fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and free jazz improvisation, creating a vibrant and exploratory sonic landscape.

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Four in One

Sonny Fortune

Four in One

A vibrant blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and intricate jazz improvisation that showcases Fortune's dynamic saxophone prowess.

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The Final Blow

Fred Wesley

The Final Blow

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, blending intricate rhythms with dynamic brass arrangements for a lively auditory experience.

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New Friends

Fred Wesley

New Friends

A vibrant blend of jazz and funk, infused with rich horn arrangements and soulful grooves.

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Lili

Lili Haydn

Lili

A vibrant fusion of classical elegance and jazz-funk grooves woven with introspective lyrics and lush arrangements.

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What Did He Say?

Victor Wooten

What Did He Say?

A vibrant fusion of jazz-funk grooves, virtuosic bass lines, and playful melodic explorations that redefine instrumental storytelling.

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Yin-Yang

Victor Wooten

Yin-Yang

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and bluegrass that showcases intricate bass work and playful musical dialogues.

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Damn!

Jimmy Smith

Damn!

Dynamic grooves intertwine with soulful improvisation, showcasing a masterful blend of jazz and funk elements.

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Six Views of the Blues

Jimmy Smith

Six Views of the Blues

A vibrant blend of soulful organ grooves and expressive blues melodies that showcases Jimmy Smith's virtuosity and deep-rooted jazz sensibility.

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Don't Mow Your Lawn

Ray Anderson

Don't Mow Your Lawn

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, weaving intricate horn arrangements with groovy rhythms and playful improvisation.

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