The albums that define
jazz-funk.
Our picks for where to start with jazz-funk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top jazz-funk artists
Start with one of these.
The jazz-funk essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Herbie Hancock
Butterfly
A seamless blend of jazz-funk grooves and ethereal melodies that encapsulate the spirit of late '70s musical experimentation.
Start here
Herbie Hancock
Sound-System
An adventurous blend of electro-funk and jazz rhythms, pushing the boundaries of sound through innovative synth textures.
Start here
Ramsey Lewis
Barefoot Sunday Blues
A vibrant blend of jazz and blues, infused with Ramsey Lewis's signature piano style and warm, inviting rhythms.
Start here
Ramsey Lewis
Dancing in the Street
A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and pop melodies energizes every track on this lively album.
Start here
Jamiroquai
Automaton
A vibrant fusion of funk, disco, and electronic elements that captures the spirit of modern dance music.
Start here
Jamiroquai
A Funk Odyssey
A vibrant fusion of disco grooves and jazzy melodies, infused with a modern funk sensibility that invites movement.
Start here
Weather Report
Heavy Weather
'Heavy Weather' encapsulates the essence of Weather Report’s sound through its seamless blend of jazz fusion and rhythmic complexity. It serves as a great gateway for understanding their innovative approach to music-making.
Start here
Weather Report
Sweetnighter
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, blending intricate rhythms with melodic improvisation and rich harmonic textures.
Start here
Masayoshi Takanaka
Brasilian Skies
A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and funk interwoven with Brazilian rhythms that transports listeners to sun-soaked landscapes.
Start here
Masayoshi Takanaka
An Insatiable High
Start here
Tom Scott
The Honeysuckle Breeze
'The Honeysuckle Breeze' captures the heart of Tom Scott's musical identity, blending genres effortlessly while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Its rich textures and thoughtful compositions provide a solid foundation for understanding his artistic vision.
Start here
Tom Scott
Rural Still Life
A seamless blend of jazz and blues, imbued with introspective melodies and dynamic improvisation.
Start here
Jaco Pastorius
Jaco
A groundbreaking mix of jazz fusion and funk, showcasing virtuosic bass lines and innovative arrangements that redefine the genre.
Start here
Jaco Pastorius
Word of Mouth
A vibrant fusion of intricate bass lines and rich harmonies, blending jazz, funk, and experimental elements into a cohesive soundscape.
Start here
Ray Parker Jr.
Two Places at the Same Time
A vibrant blend of jazz-funk and rhythm and blues that radiates dancefloor energy and smooth grooves.
Start here
Ray Parker Jr.
A Woman Needs Love
Smooth melodies and sultry grooves define this quintessential early '80s R&B album, blending jazz-funk with romantic themes.
Start here
Roy Ayers
Africa, Center of the World
A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul echoes a profound connection to African heritage and spirituality.
Start here
Roy Ayers
Vibrations
A vibrant blend of jazz-funk and soul, infused with infectious grooves and uplifting melodies.
Start here
Nils Landgren
License to Funk
'License to Funk' stands out as a vibrant collection that encapsulates Nils Landgren's signature style. It embodies engaging grooves paired with reflective moments, making it friendly for first-time listeners who want a taste of both genres.
Start here
Level 42
Staring at the Sun
A vibrant mix of dance-rock rhythms and jazz-funk grooves, underpinned by introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.
Start here
Level 42
Retroglide
A vibrant blend of jazz-funk grooves and polished pop-rock melodies, brimming with infectious energy and introspective lyrics.
Start here
David Benoit
Shaken Not Stirred
Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with vibrant funk rhythms, creating a relaxed yet engaging listening experience.
Start here
David Benoit
Inner Motion
A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and funk, weaving intricate melodies with rhythmic grooves that invite both introspection and celebration.
Start here
Ray Anderson
Old Bottles - New Wine
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, characterized by playful brass arrangements and infectious rhythms that invite movement.
Start here
Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where jazz-funk landed in each era.