At times written off by the genre’s purists that the 1970s were a less than remarkable time for jazz, the decade was actually an era of major exploration for many jazz musicians, incorporating elements of funk, soul, rock, and early electronic sounds into their own recordings. This expansion of musical influences and an adaptation of more electric instrumentation helped lead to what some consider as a golden time for what has been coined “jazz-funk.” 

With the launching of BeatCaffeine, I thought it was important that one of my early posts did two things 1) compile a list of recordings that would both help set the tone for this site, and 2) create an opportunity for personal exploration into what has become my one of my favorite music genres to collect, listen to, and learn about.

A FEW NOTES
I find that “jazz-funk” is a label that can be used as a broad term to encompass a lot of music with much debate into “what is” and “what isn’t” part of this sub-genre (the exact problem with genres and labels). For this list, I chose recordings that were more on the jazz end of the spectrum, meaning the overall foundation needed to still have a strong jazz backing to it. If the song identified stronger with funk, disco, spiritual jazz, or early boogie, I often leaned away from including them on this list. For the most part, I also tried to include only one track from an album. Finally, there are a lot of amazing new jazz-funk tracks that have been released over the past decade, however I focused on tracks from the late 60s to the early 80s, basically the essentials.

Each track on this list features the album, year, and label the recording was featured on with a short 2-3 sentences about the selection. At the end of this list, enjoy a Spotify playlist featuring 90+ of the 100 tracks (Not all songs are on streaming platforms).

With that being said …

Here are BeatCaffeine’s 100 Best Jazz-Funk Songs.
Enjoy, and let the debate begin …

 

100. The Crusaders

Ain’t Got’ Change A Thang

(1973/Blue Thumb Records)

Formerly known in the sixties as The Jazz Crusaders, this funky mid-tempo classic is featured on the group’s second album The 2nd Crusade. When it comes to jazz-funk, The Crusaders were one of the more solid and consistent groups of the seventies.

 

99. Idris Muhammad

House of The Rising Sun

(1976/Kudu)

In my opinion, Idris Muhammad released five essential albums in a row from 1971-1978 on the CTI Records sub-label Kudu including the classic Turn This Mutha Out that includes this disco-smash “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This.” I choose this lesser discussed gem of his rendition of this often-recorded folk standard featuring soul singer Frank Floyd.

 

98. Caldera

Sky Island

(1977/Capitol Records)

A personal favorite from the New York based latin-influenced jazz fusion group, who released four albums in the mid-late seventies. An often overlooked gem that you can typically find in the cheap bins.

 

97. Ronnie Foster

Mystic Brew

(1972/Blue Note Records)

Known just as much as being the main sample on Tribe Called Quest’s 1994 hip-hop classic “Electric Relaxation,” this B-3 slow cooker definitely holds it down on it’s own and marks the beginning of Foster’s successful string of releases on Blue Note Records. I’m sure many will feel this should be higher on the list.

 

96. Eddie Henderson

Inside You

(1976/Blue Note Records)

During the early seventies, the trumpeter and certified doctor (amazing right?!?!) was a member of Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band. In my opinion, this ensemble was easily one of the greatest jazz groups of all-time. Following Henderson’s time with Mwandishi, he released a number of essential jazz-fusion/funk recordings featuring many of the same musicians. Even though I would place many of those recordings in the more “fusion” category, it’s hard to do a jazz-funk list without including a Eddie Henderson track and “Inside You” is definitely a classic.

 

95. O’Donel Levy

Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky

(1974/Groove Merchant)

When it comes to seventies era jazz-funk guitarists, O’Donel Levy was definitely near the top. He released a string of essential jazz-funk recordings off the now considered legendary New York-based label Groove Merchant, and his title track to his 1974 album featuring Levy both on guitar and vocals sits right at the top of the list.

 

94. Deodato

September 13

(1973/CTI Records)

Prior to joining the electric jazz embracing CTI Records, Brazilian producer, composer, and pianist, Eumir Deodato released a number of brilliant Bossa Nova/Brazilian funk recordings (a discussion for a future post). Even though his CTI recordings didn’t feature as much of the heavy Brazilian-influenced instrumentation as his earlier records, Deodato released a number of funky electric tracks through the label including “Super Strut,” “Spanish Boogie,” and this featured track, “September 13” co-written by drummer Billy Cobham.

 

93. Woody Herman

Freedom Jazz Dance

(1973/Fantasy)

A “funky-as-hell” rendition of Eddie Harris’ classic jazz standard “Freddom Jazz Dance”.  This often slept on track is featured on easily one of the best $1 albums out there. Stop sleeping!

 

92. Pete Yellin

It’s The Right Thing

(1973/Mainstream Records)

Like CTI Records, the Mainstream releases very much embraced the “electric jazz sound” that was strongly surfacing in the jazz world during the seventies, and in doing so, the label produced some of the best jazz-funk and fusion albums during that decade. Saxophonist and flutist Pete Yellin released two of the labels best recordings including It’s The Right Thing featuring a heavy-hitting self-titled burner.

 

91. Tyrone Washington

Land Eternity

(1974/Blue Labor)

The saxophonist, percussionist, and composer released three incredible albums during the seventies following his time working with Larry Young, Horace Silver, and Stanley Cowell including the Blue Note Records release Natural Essence. The independent label release of Do Right featuring the monster jazz-funk groover “Land Eternity” was the last recording as a leader before he walked away from music completely to focus on his religious practices under the name Bialar Mohammed.

 

90. Brother Jack McDuff

Moon Rappin’

(1970/Blue Note Records)

The Hammond B-3 organ master was one of the leading musicians in the soul-jazz-funk scene during the 1960s and 1970s. His slow burner “Moon Rappin'” is one of his early seventies masterpieces.

 

89. George Duke

Brazilian Love Affair

(1980/Epic)

It’s not a jazz-funk list without electric keys/synthesizer wizard George Duke. This was the opening track to his Brazilian-fusion recording A Brazilian Love Affair … One of my all-time favorites and one of the later selections to be featured on this list. You can hear the Earth, Wind, and Fire influence on this one.

 

88. Kamal Abdul Alim

Brotherhood

(1983/52e Rue Est)

A private press rarity from trumpeter Kamal Abdul Alim featured on the early eighties recording Dance. This album features a solid cast of musicians including saxophonists Bobby Watson, James Spaulding, and drummer Idris Muhammad. After being released on the small French label 52e Rue East, the album was later reissued in 1988 on Stash Records. Both issues continue to be very rare finds.

 

87. Leon Spencer

Where I’m Coming From

(1973/Prestige)

Another funky B-3 classic that is so laid-back it might have you spinning sideways. “Where I’m Coming From” is just one of only two original compositions on an album that also features solid renditions of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.”

 

86. Jeremy Steig

Howlin’ For Judy

(1970/Solid State Records)

One of the leading jazz flutists during the late sixties and seventies, his Howlin’ For Judy gem set the bar for all funky jazz flute (don’t laugh!) compositions. An absolute staple in the genre.

 

85. Jack DeJohnette

Epilog

(1974/Prestige)

NEA Jazz Master, drummer, and composer Jack DeJohnette is a legend plain and simple. He has helped influence just about every period of jazz since the late sixties, and continues to do so today. “Epilog” from his mid-seventies Sorcery recording is one of his most funky and cosmic leaning compositions he’s every recorded.

 

84. Light Of The World

London Town

(1980/Ensign)

During the late 70s and early 80s, the United Kingdom experienced a thriving jazz-funk scene that was influenced by both the jazz and funk music coming from the states blended with UK club culture. This movement helped produce British-based groups like Light of The World, Central Line, Hi-Tension, Linx, and others that would later help lead to what turned into the Acid Jazz movement. The group’s funky “London Town” recording is one of the most essential from this movement.

 

83. Lou Donaldson

Who’s Making Love

(1969/Blue Note Records)

An organ Hammond B-3 burner from soul jazz legend Lou Donaldson on his classic 1969 recording Hot Dog. The track features Charles Earland on organ with the entire band contributing to the song’s vocals. This was just one of the many great funky jazz recordings the saxophonist put out on Blue Note.

 

82. The Ramsey Lewis Trio

Uhuru

(1969/Cadet)

Featured on one of Ramsey Lewis’ funkiest electric sessions, “Uhuru” is just one of the many standout jazz-funk tracks on his 1969 album Another Voyage featuring Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Cleveland Eaton. Outside of maybe Sun Goddess, this is easily Ramsey Lewis’ best recording in my opinion.

 

81. The Lyman Woodard Organization

On Your Mind

(1975/Strata Records, Inc)

Now things just got serious … and therefore I accept any criticism for having this track so high in the countdown. Detroit’s Strata Records, founded by Kenny Cox, was one of the most cutting-edge labels of it’s time. The label only released six albums before shutting down, however set the stage for other groundbreaking artist-run labels like Strata-East and Black Jazz. The Lyman Woodard Organization’s Saturday Night Special is arguably the most sought after recording from the catalog, and the funky “On Your Mind” is a favorite among many collectors (including myself). Shout out to DJ/producer Amir Abdullah for purchasing the label and back catalog, and reissuing these releases under 180 Proof for a whole new generation to appreciate.

 

80. Dom Um Romao

Lamento Negro

(1975/Muse Records)

Dom Um Romao was a Brazilian jazz drummer, percussionist and composer who released a number of brilliant recordings during the mid-seventies. This funky percussive electric Brazilian-influenced gem is featured on his 1975 Spirit of The Times album featuring an incredible lineup of musicians that included Dom Salvador(piano), Lloyd McNeill(flute) and Joe Beck(guitar). Words of wisdom … never pass on a Dom Um Romao record.

 

79. Doug Carn (ft. Jean Carne)

Higher Ground

(1974/Black Jazz Records)

Doug Carn was one of the most selling musicians off of Gene Russell’s Los Angeles-based Black Jazz Records. Even though the label was only around for six years, it produced some of the most sought after and collectable jazz records of the seventies. Doug Carn is featured here with his (at the time) wife Jean, who collaborated together on many of his Black Jazz recordings.

 

78. Lafayette Afro Rock Band

Malik

(1974/America Records & Makossa International)

Based out of New York, Lafayette Afro Rock Band released a couple of incredible albums during the early seventies that combined jazz, funk, and rock with African and Latin rhythms. The title track from their Malik album is one of the more jazz-influenced of their recordings, showing off the group’s musical chops while featuring some heavy backing rhythms. The group would eventually rename themselves Ice, releasing a number of great follow-up funk recordings.

 

77. Carlos Garnett

Chana

(1974/Muse Records)

One of the standout tracks on Carlos Garnett’s masterpiece Journey To Enlightment, “Chana” features funky Latin percussive rhythms over Garnett’s souring saxophone solos.

 

76. Harlem River Drive

Idle Hands

(1971/Roulette)

Led by Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, Harlem River Drive was a large ensemble that brought together some of the best jazz-funk and Latin jazz/salsa artists at the time including Bernard Purdie, Charlie Palmieri, Cornell Dupree, Randy Brecker, and many others. This is one of those classic albums where just about every song is good with “Idle Hands” being the funkiest of the bunch. It’s safe to say this record should be in everyone’s collection.

 

75. Mongo Santamaria

Funk Down

(1975/Vaya Records)

One of the greatest Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionists, the cuban-born Santamaria was a staple in the Latin jazz scene dating all the way back to the mid-fifties. The uptempo electric burner “Funk Down” is featured on his excellent 1975 album Afro-Indio.

 

74. Catalyst

Ain’t It The Truth

(1972/Cobblestone)

The four-man jazz combo from Philadelphia released four albums during the mid-seventies with their 1972 self-titled album being one of the most sought after by record collectors. The first track off the album is a funky mid-tempo groover that will definitely get anyone’s head nodding.

 

73. The Blackbyrds

Hash And Eggs

(1975/Fantasy)

The legendary jazz-funk group were formed by Donald Byrd in 1973, and released a number of classic recordings throughout the seventies. Many people make the argument that they are the greatest jazz-funk band of all-time (and you certainly would have a hard time arguing against it). During the seventies, the group was not only making it’s mark in the states, but they helped influence British jazz-funk groups like Light Of The World and Hi-Tension. City Life, produced by Donald Byrd, was the group’s third release and arguably their best featuring the funky classic “Rock Creek Park,” “Happy Music,” and my favorite “Hash and Eggs.”

 

72. The Lloyd McNeill Quartet

Home Run

(1970/ASHA Recording Co)

Led by American flautist, composer, and producer Lloyd McNeill, the group’s two recordings were originally independently released by McNeill and continue to be highly sought out by vinyl collectors. Featured on the group’s second album The Washington Suite, the mid-tempo electric groover “Home Run” is one of the funkiest tracks from the group. Both albums have since been reissued by Soul Jazz Records.

 

71. Nathan Davis

Tragic Magic

(1976/Tomorrow International)

Featured on one of the saxophonist’s most sought after recordings, If, the record’s most notable track “Tragic Magic” is a funky head-bopping stepper featuring Davis on soprano saxophone. It’s hard to find the original for under $350 these days if your lucky.

 

70. Donald Byrd

The Emperor

(1972/Blue Note Records)

The electric 15-minute funk odyssey was featured on Byrd’s Ethiopian Knights, the album that preceded his very successful collaborative run with the legendary jazz-funk production duo known as the Mizell Brothers. “The Emperor” definitely has a vibe similar to some of the funkier moments on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and On The Corner recordings. Overall, a great track that was just the “tip of the iceberg” as to what was later going to come from the legendary trumpeter.

 

69. Joe Henderson

Forgone Conclusion

(1972/Milestone)

Known more in the jazz world for his classic hard-bop recordings with Blue Note Records, the legendary tenor saxophonist shifted to a more experimental electric sound when he signed with Milestone Records. Featured on the jazz icon’s 1972 Black Is The Color album, Henderson recorded what probably is his funkiest track in “Forgone Conclusion” with an incredible lineup that included Dave Holland, George Cables, Airto Moreira, and Jack DeJohnette.

 

68. Ju-Par Universal Orchestra

Flute Salad

(1976/Ju-Par Records)

Easily my favorite track title on this list, one listen to Ju-Par’s “Flute Salad” and you will definitely see why it’s the perfect title for this funky flute burner (no Anchorman jokes please!). Definitely a personal favorite.

 

67. Johnny “Hammond” Smith

Star Borne

(1974/Salvation)

Prior to recording his jazz-funk masterpiece Gears, pianist Johnny “Hammond” Smith collaborated with the Mizell Brothers on his Gambler’s Life recording. Even though this album does not match the absolute brilliance of Gears (which is hard to do), this album featured some great moments including the incredible electric cosmic-funk jam “Star Borne.”

 

66. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson

Free Will

(1972/Flying Dutchman)

The title track on Gil Scott-Heron’s final studio album on Flying Dutchman before signing with Strata-East. I tend to categorize Gil Scott more in the jazz-blues and/or soul category even though the jazz influence is very prominent. “Free Will” features some nice funky jazz instrumentation helping it make it’s was at #66.

 

65. Weldon Irvine

Bananas

(1973/Nodlew Music)

Featured on the second album from pianist and organist Weldon Irvine, “Bananas” is a short two-plus minute jazz-funk masterpiece. Irvine’s music was at times just as much spiritual and cosmic as it was funky. The album’s he released during the seventies are extremely rare and are highly sought after by jazz fans and vinyl collectors.

 

64. Peter Herbolzheim’s Rhythm Combination & Brass

Mr. Clean

(1973/MPS Records)

Just one of the many incredible jazz-funk recordings off the now considered legendary German label MPS Records, this large ensemble burner “Mr. Clean” was written by Weldon Irvine and the group was led by composer and trombonist Peter Herbolzheim. The band featured some premier musicians including saxophonist Herb Geller, acclaimed Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and legendary Latin jazz percussionist Sabu Martinez.

 

63. Roy Ayers Ubiquity

Red, Black & Green

(1973/Polydor)

Composer, vibraphonist, and vocalist Roy Ayers is one of the greatest jazz-funk musicians of our time. During the seventies, the legendary artist released a string of groundbreaking recordings that defined any genre, fusing jazz, funk, and soul together to create his own signature sound which some have labeled “neo-soul.” Regardless of the label, his music can be heard across a wide diverse of settings, anywhere from the disco dance floor to a jazz nightclub. “Red, Black & Green” was the title track from his remarkable 1973 album, his fourth studio recording under the Roy Ayers Ubiquity band name.

 

62. Miroslav Vitous

New York City

(1976/Warner Bro. Records)

Probably the funkiest recording from Czech jazz bassist, who was also one of the co-founders of Weather Report and contributor in the Roy Ayers Quartet. Not only is “New York City” a jazz-funk/fusion masterpiece, the track was a break through disco hit that played regularly at David Mancuso’s legendary Loft parties.

 

61. Lonnie Liston Smith & Cosmic Echoes

Cosmic Funk

(1978/Flying Dutchman)

One of the most groundbreaking jazz-funk artists of his time and a major influence on the UK Acid jazz scene during the eighties and nineties, organist/pianist Lonnie Liston Smith released a number of remarkable genre-defying recordings on the Flying Dutchman label during the mid seventies. “Cosmic Funk” is the title track to his second album with his Cosmic Echoes group. Like the band’s name, the music has an overall space-aged cosmic vibe with some hair-raising vocals from Lonnie’s younger brother Donald Smith.

 

60. Bora Rokovic

JBW

(1972/MPS Records)

An incredible groove-heavy gem from Serbian composer and pianist Bora Rokovic. Recorded in a trio setting and released on MPS Records, the track features a deep funk bass line from German bassist Peter Trunk that lays the foundation for the piece. Included on the 1972 album Ultra Native, the hard-to-find album usually goes for a few hundred dollars these days.

 

59. Jan Hammer Group

Don’t You Know

(1977/Epic)

Before he wrote the notable theme song to the popular eighties television show Miami Vice, the Czech-American keyboardist and composer was making his mark during the mid-to-late seventies with a number of notable fusion sessions. His most standout track during this period was the spacey cosmic mid-tempo groover “Don’t You Know,” which was featured on his 1977 Melodies album. An all-time classic that sounds as if it was recorded during an outer space mission to the moon.

 

58. Steve Reid Featuring The Legendary Master Brotherhood

Lions of Judah

(1976/Mustevic Sound)

An incredible spiritual jazz-funk track from drummer Steve Reid and his group The Legendary Master Brotherhood featured on the 1976 recording Nova, which was originally released on Reid’s own Bronx-based Mustevic Sound label. The hard-to-find album was later released on Soul Jazz’s Universal Sound imprint, and a more recent version of “Lions of Judah” was recorded in 2002 with a new ensemble that included Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet).

 

57. Roy Ayers Ubiquity

He’s A Superstar

(1972/Polydor)

Another classic jazz-funk recording from the king of neo-soul, “He’s a Superstar” was included on one of Ayer’s earliest and most sought-after albums titled He’s Coming. The 1972 recording also features another common favorite by the vibraphonist titled “We Live In Brooklyn, Baby.”

 

56. David Axelrod

Mucho Chupar

(1974/Fantasy)

David Axelrod was one of the greatest composers and producers of our time, working with hundreds of artists since the late 1950s including most notably Cannonball Adderley, Lou Rawls, Hampton Hawes, Funk, Inc. and many others. His music and productions have been sample by numerous hip-hop artists including Tribe Called Quest, Organized Konfusion, Diamond D, and The Beatnuts to name just a few. The epic “Mucho Chaupar” is one of the funkiest recordings by Axelrod and was featured on his Heavy Axe album, successfully blending together jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock. Certainly one of his greatest recordings, and for someone that is so accomplished … that is saying something.

 

55. Hi-Tension

Peace On Earth

(1978/Island Records)

Another staple of the UK jazz-funk scene of the late seventies and early eighties, Hi-Tension released one self-titled album in 1978 followed by a few UK chart-topping singles. The funky spiritual cut “Peace on Earth” has a sound reminiscent of early Earth, Wind, & Fire, and was featured as the b-side track to the group’s single release of “British Hustle.” The single topped out at #8 on the UK charts.

 

54. Lonnie Liston Smith

Give Peace a Chance (Make Love)

(1980/Columbia)

Not to be confused with Lonnie Liston Smith’s cosmic jazz classic “A Chance For Peace,” which is an earlier rendition of the song that was featured on the 1975 Flying Dutchman released album Visions of a New World. This later, and more uptempo “disco-fied” version of the song was included on the keyboardist’s 1980 Love is The Answer recording. Both versions, even though very different in vibe, represent some of Smith’s best work.

 

53. Charles Earland

Leaving This Planet

(1974/Prestige)

A soulful space-aged orbital funk jam from legendary organist Charles Earland featuring a mind-blowing cast of musicians including Eddie Henderson (trumpet), Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone), Harvey Mason (drums), Larry Killian (percussion) with Rudy Copeland on vocals.

 

52. Carlos Garnett

Mystery of Ages

(1976/Muse Records)

Another jazz-funk gem from Panamanian-born saxophonist Carlos Garnett. This track was included on Garnett’s 1976 cosmic masterpiece appropriately titled Cosmos Nucleus. The song features some soaring and soulful vocals by Cheryl Alexander with spiritual lyrics questioning our purpose both on Earth and the afterlife. An underground jazz-funk dance floor favorite.

 

51. The Blackbyrds

Rock Creek Park

(1975/Fantasy)

The second track to make this list from the group’s 1975 City Life album, “Rock Creek Park” was arguably the legendary jazz-funk outfit’s most memorable hit, appealing to fans of jazz, soul, and disco. The genre-defying classic was produced by jazz great Donald Byrd, and has since been sampled numerous times by some of hip-hop’s greatest artists including MF Doom, Nas, De La Soul, Ice Cube, and Grandmaster Flash.

 

50. Lonnie Smith (aka Dr. Lonnie Smith)

Move Your Hand

(1970/Blue Note Records)

One of two tracks featured on this list from the B3 organ wizard now know as Dr. Lonnie Smith, this heavy-groover was recorded live at Club Harlem in Atlantic City in 1969 and later released as the title track to his 1970 album on Blue Note Records. During the high point of the Acid Jazz era in the UK, DJs were known to pitch this track way up to make it even more appropriate for the dancefloor.

 

49. Jon Lucien

Would You Believe In Me

(1973/RCA)

This funky vocal jazz gem was included on Lucien’s 1973 album Rashida. This track, as well as much of the album, blends together spacey groove oriented soul with jazz and Brazilian-influenced rhythms, resulting in the singer’s most notable recording.

 

48. Ramsey Lewis w/ Earth, Wind, & Fire

Sun Goddess

(1974/Columbia)

One of two tracks on this album written by Maurice White that featured members of Earth, Wind & Fire. “Sun Goddess” became a major hit after the first single “Hot Dawgit,” also written by White, didn’t catch on. During the recording process it was basically a last minute effort to add vocals to the track, and following a suggestion from White, the simple “Way-yo, Way-yo” melody was made it’s way onto the song.

 

47. Gary Bartz NTU Troop

Uhuru Sasa

(1971/Milestone Records)

One of the many incredible tracks from what most consider saxophonist Gary Bartz’ best recording Harlem Bush Music: Uhuru, “Uhuru Sasa” is a funky groove-oriented masterpiece that heavily leans on the superb vocals of Andy Bey. The recording also features legendary bassist Ron Carter, Harold White on drums, and Nat Bettis on percussion. A great live version of the track was also featured on Bartz 1973 album I’ve Known Rivers And Other Bodies.

 

46. Marvin Gaye

“T” Plays It Cool

(1972/Tamla)

Even though you were probably not expecting to see Marvin Gaye on a jazz-funk list, the legendary Motown vocalist was also a great musician/composer and his recording of “”T” Plays It Cool” is a bonafide jazz-funk classic. Featured on the Trouble Man soundtrack, Gaye holds it down on Moog keyboard on this track. Even though the movie was a bust, the soundtrack was one of Gaye’s greatest recordings and helped showcase him as a composer.

 

45. Howard Wales

Solar Eclipse

(1976/Costal Records)

Probably best known for his association with the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia, keyboardist Howard Wales branched out in 1976 to release the cosmic jazz masterpiece Rendezvous With The Sun. The recording features plenty of spacey-keyboard grooves and includes a number of standout tracks including the heavy-hitting “Solar Eclipse.” A soundtrack for your next trip to Mars.

 

44. Roy Ayers Ubiquity

Mystic Voyage

(1975/Polydor)

Another classic recording from the vibraphonist and soul-jazz legend, Ayer’s original “Mystic Voyage” was recorded at the peak of a creative period for the composer, releasing two records during 1975 (other being A Tear to A Smile). The title track, which was dedicated to Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, who passed away slightly before the album was released, is a mid-tempo groover that really captures Ayer’s quintessential “soul-jazz” signature sound.

 

43. Lonnie Smith

Afrodesia

(1975/Polydor)

Another jazz-funk gem from legendary B-3 organ wizard now know as Dr.Lonnie Smith. This electric cosmic recording features an incredible lineup including Ben Riley (drums), Joe Lovanno (tenor & soprano saxophone), and George Benson (electric guitar), whom was credited as “a friend” because due to contractual reasons, couldn’t be appropriately credited. Also, on a recent BBC 6 interview with Gilles Peterson, Smith actually doesn’t recall even recording this track specifically, however admitting that he remembers recording some “out-there stuff” with this group.

 

42. Marcus Belgrave

Glue Fingers

(1974/Tribe)

Funky deep jazz from Detroit’s Tribe vaults, “Glue Fingers” was featured on the trumpeter’s 1974 hard-to-find album Gemini II recording. The recording also featured other prominent members of the Tribe collective including Roy Brooks, Wendell Harrison, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin. A bonafide classic!

 

41. Gary Bartz

Music Is My Sanctuary

(1977/Capitol Records)

Bartz’ most notable track from his post-NTU Troop recordings, the jazz-funk gem was a crossover disco hit during the late seventies. The title track to the 1977 album was produced by the legendary Mizell Brothers and featured Stevie Wonder’s ex-wife and R&B star Syreeta Wright on vocals.

 

40. Awakening

Slinky

(1973/Black Jazz Records)

The Chicago-based sextet, Awakening, released two of the best albums on the Black Jazz label during the early seventies. Each album featured a number of timeless electric jazz-funk tracks including “Slinky” from the group’s second album Mirage.

 

39. Johnny “Hammond” Smith

Fantasy

(1975/Milestone Records)

One of two tracks on this list (spoiler alert!) from Johnny “Hammond” Smith’s 1975 groundbreaking Mizell Brothers produced classic Gears. The album, in my opinion, is the greatest jazz-funk album ever recorded. From start to finish, the record features a number of classic gems including “Fantasy”, “Shifting Gears,” “Los Conquistadores Chocolatés,” and “Tell Me What To Do.”

 

38. Donald Byrd

Lansana’s Priestess

(1973/Blue Note Records)

The seven-plus minute “Lansana’s Priestess” is the most standout track from the 1973 recording Street Lady, which was another collaborative effort with the Mizell Brothers and a follow-up to Byrd’s widely successful selling album Black Byrd.

 

37. Bayete (Todd Cochran)

Free Angela (Thoughts … And All I’ve Got To Say)

(1972/Prestige)

Covered by Santana on his 1973 album Lotus, the protest anthem in support of activist Angela Davis during her time of unjustly being incarcerated, is a heavy-hitting jazz-funk masterpiece featured on Cochran’s hard-to-find album Worlds Around The Sun.

 

36. Michel Sardaby

Welcome New Warmth

(1975/Disques Debs International)

“Welcome New Warth” is a funky mid-tempo modal gem released on the well sought-after mid-seventies album Gail by Martinique-born pianist Michael Sardaby. The recording also features jazz greats Richard Davis (bass) and Billy Hart (drums).

 

35. Roger Glenn

Kick

(1976/Fantasy)

Another classic production from Larry & Fonce Mizell (aka The Mizell Brothers) featuring vibraphonist/flutist and long-time Bay Area resident Roger Glenn. The cosmic groover “Kick” was included on Glenn’s 1976 album Reachin’, which is one of the more harder-to-find records from the Mizell tag-team.

 

34. Bobbi Humphrey

Uno Esta

(1975/Blue Note Records)

Flutist Bobbi Humphrey’s Latin flavored “Uno Esta” was featured on her mid-seventies album Fancy Dancer, the second of three recordings co-produced, arranged, and conducted by the Mizell Brothers (featured a lot on this list I know … they were that good!). Great uptempo dancefloor vibes!

 

33. Willie Bobo & The Bo-Gents

Do What You Want To Do

(1971/Sussex)

Featured on one of the most unique and greatest recordings from the Legendary Latin percussionist. The instrumental title track to the 1971 standout recording blends funky Latin-influenced rhythms with deep heavy funk grooves. Just one of many incredible tracks from this album.

 

32. Gene Harris & The Three Sounds

Book of Slim

(1968/Blue Note Records)

Recording during a period where pianist Gene Harris and The Three Sounds were exploring a more soulful jazz-funk sound, “Book of Slim” was written, arranged, and produced by Monk Higgins. On this track, which has been heavily sampled by Madlib, the piano trio is joined by a string ensemble creating an overall sound reminiscent of something you would typically hear on a seventies blaxploitation soundtrack.

 

31. Les McCann

Harlem Buck Dance Strut

(1974/Atlantic)

One of the most notable recordings from jazz great Les McCann, this heavy-synth funk jam was featured on the composer/pianist’s 1974 Layers album. Fans of Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunter recordings should definitely take notice.

 

30. John Lee/Gerry Brown feat. Gary Bartz & Chris Hinze

Infinite Jones

(1974/Keystone)

An incredible funky fusion track from under-rated duo John Lee and Gerry Brown. The sessions also includes Gary Bartz (saxophone) and Chris Hinze (flute). This recording was released on the small Holland-based label Keystone and later in Japan. The album unfortunately never saw a release in the states, however was more recently included on Kev Beadle’s outstanding 2017 compilation Private Collection Vol. 3.

 

29. Janko Nilović

Drug Song

(1975/Editions Montparnasse 2000)

The psychedelic jazz-funk masterpiece was written and recorded by Janko Nilović, an accomplished Montenegrin-French composer who mostly wrote music for library labels not typically available for sale to the public during the seventies. “Drug Song” is included on arguably Nilović’s most sought-after album Soul Impressions, which typically goes for around $300-$400.

 

28. Sun Ra & His Arkestra

Space Is The Place

(1979/Sweet Earth Records)

An all-time classic from cosmic-jazz pioneers Sun Ra and the Arkestra, this rendition of the track was recorded in 1978 and released a year later on the group’s album The Other Side of The Sun. An extended version of the track was recorded in 1973 and included on the group’s soundtrack to their Afrofuturist science fiction film, also titled Space Is The Place.

 

27.  Nina Simone

Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter

(1974/RCA)

Featured on the album Is It Finished, “Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter” is one of the funkiest tracks ever recorded by Nina Simone. The composition was actually written by Tina Turner’s elder sister, and features some solid African-flavored percussion rhythms.

 

26. Kool & The Gang

Summer Madness

(1974/De-Lite Records)

It might be a surprise to see Kool & The Gang make it onto this list, but much like Earth, Wind & Fire, the funk band often incorporating a lot of jazz rhythms and melodies into their music thanks to producer Eumir Deodato. One listen to the mellow synth-heavy cosmic groover, you’ll quickly understand how great of a “summertime” jazz-funk classic this actually track is.

 

25. John Klemmer

Free Soul

(1969/Cadet Concept)

An absolute killer, “Free Soul” see’s tenor saxophonist John Klemmer at his best with some “in-your-face” solos backed by some funky heavy grooves that features guitarist Pete Cosey, who also performed with Philip Cohran, The Pharoahs, and Miles Davis. The track was featured on Klemmer’s 1969 album Blowin’ Gold.

 

24. Azymuth

Manhã

(1975/Som Livre)

Featured on the first full-length recording from the Brazilian-based fusion band, “Manhã” is a mid-tempo rhodes driven groover backed by some solid Latin-influenced percussion rhythms. Far Out Recordings reissued the 1975 self-titled album, featuring the classic track, a few years ago.

 

23. Herbie Hancock

Palm Grease

(1974/Columbia)

One of four incredible tracks from Herbie Hancock’s Thrust recording, which was the second full-length from his Head Hunter group that featured Bennie Maupin (Saxophones/Bass Clarinet), Paul Jackson (electric bass), Mike Clark (drums), and Bill Summers (percussion). Even though “Palm Grease” made this list, any of the other tracks on this album were worthy of this slot in the countdown. A must-own in anyone’s vinyl collection.

 

22. Jimmy Smith

Root Down (And Get It)

(1972/Verve Records)

Essentially the title track to Jimmy Smith’s iconic 1972 live album, “Root Down (And Get It)” is one of the B-3 organist’s funkiest tracks he ever recorded. The Beastie Boys heavily sampled the track on their mid-nineties Billboard charting hit “Root Down.”

 

21. The Pharoahs

Freedom Road

(1971/Scarab Records)

The Pharoahs were a soul-jazz/funk band out of Chicago that notably featured Earth, Wind & Fire founding member Maurice White on drums prior to him leaving the group to form EWF in Los Angeles. In 1971, the band recorded it’s debut album The Awakening which featured a number of great tracks including the spiritual jazz-funk classic “Freedom Road.” The recording was also more recently included on Soul Jazz Records’ incredible compilation Freedom Rhythm & Sound.

 

20. Donald Byrd

Think Twice

(1974/Blue Note Records)

Another masterful collaborative effort between trumpeter/composer Donald Byrd and the jazz-funk production tag-team Larry and Fonce Mizell. Featured on the 1974 album Stepping Into Tomorrow, which is one of the most sampled albums ever (A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, J-Dilla) and the third collaboration between Byrd and the Mizell Brothers (following 1973 recordings Street Lady and Black Byrd). The recording also included jazz greats Gary Bartz (alto saxophone) and Harvey Mason (drums).

 

19. Carlos Franzetti

Cocoa Funk

(1977/Guinness Records)

An absolute dancefloor burner, the funky jazz-fusion classic “Cocoa Funk” is featured on the hard-to-find 1977 album Grafitti that used part of an iconic photo of Farrah Fawcett on the cover.

 

18. Richard “Groove” Homes

Groovin’ For Mr. G

(1971/Blue Note Records)

A funky classic from legendary B-3 organist Richard “Groove” Holmes. The jazz-funk gem was featured as the opening track to Holmes’ 1971 Blue Note release Comin’ On Home, which also notably included Weldon Irvine on electric piano.

 

17. Gene Harris

Listen Here

(1972/Blue Note Records)

The laidback cosmic rendition of Eddie Harris’ standard “Listen Here” was featured on Gene Harris’ first album after he left his popular jazz trio The Three Sounds. The track was included on the 1972 recording Gene Harris of The Three Sounds, and even though there is a reference to The Three Sounds group, none of the other members appeared on the album.

 

16. Phil Ranelin

Sounds From The Village

(1976/Tribe)

One of the many classic recordings released from the Tribe label, which featured a collective of underground Detroit jazz musicians including Phil Ranelin, Marcus Belgrave, Wendall Harrison, David Durrah, The Mixed Bag, and others. “Sounds From The Village” was included on trombonist Phil Ranelin’s 1976 Vibes From The Tribe album, which in my opinion is one of the greatest jazz recordings ever. An original copy of Vibes From The Tribe usually starts around $600-700.

 

15. Donald Byrd

Black Byrd

(1973/Blue Note Records)

The title track to Donald Byrd’s best selling album, and the first of many collaborative efforts between the trumpeter/composer and the Mizell Brothers. Lee Morgan was originally tapped as the featured artist on this session, however after his unfortunate and untimely death a few months prior to the recording, he was replaced by Byrd, which began a string of incredible recordings with Larry and Fonce Mizell.

 

14. Dorothy Ashby

Soul Vibrations

(1968/Cadet)

It’s not often that you can associate harp instrumentation with jazz-funk, however in 1968 harpist Dorothy Ashby released the groove-heavy spiritual masterpiece Afro-Harping that featured a number of incredible tracks including the jazz-funk gem “Soul Vibrations.” This is another hard-to-find album that bidding usually starts around $100-200.

 

13. Gene Harris

Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong

(1974/Blue Note Records)

This cosmic groover, featured on the 1974 album Astral Signal, is arguably Gene Harris’ most notable post-Three Sounds era recording. The electric jazz-funk gem also features a number of legendary musicians including guitarist David T. Walker, saxophonist Ernie Watts, drummer Harvey Mason, and others. An absolute classic with a ton of heavy breaks!

 

12. Bobbi Humphrey

Harlem River Drive

(1973/Blue Note Records)

Featured on Bobbi Humphrey’s third studio recording, “Harlem River Drive” was a breakthrough hit for the flautist. The funky track is also another classic production from Larry Mizell, who arranged, composed, and wrote the entire Blacks And Blues album it was featured on. Larry’s brother Fonce also heavily contributed to the recording, playing clavinet, trumpet, and arranged all the vocal tracks.

 

11. Roy Ayers ft. Dee Dee Bridgewater

Coffy Is The Color

(1973/Polydor)

The soul-jazz legend’s composition “Coffy Is The Color” is the theme song to the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy starring Pam Grier. The uptempo cinematic jazz-funk gem included Ayers both on vibes and vocals, as well as recent NEA Jazz Master recipient Dee Dee Bridgewater on backing vocals. This soundtrack is one of the hardest-to-find albums from the vibraphonist/composer great.

 

10. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

(1971/Flying Dutchman)

Arguably one of the most influential recordings of our time, this righteous and socially conscious masterpiece was recorded by Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, and The Midnight Band with Hubert Laws on flute in 1971 on the group’s Pieces of Man album. An earlier and more stripped down version of the song was featured on Gil Scott-Heron’s debut album Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, a spoken word album that helped put the poet, writer, musician, and composer on the map.

 

9. Johnny “Hammond” Smith

Tell Me What To Do

(1975/Milestone Records)

Another classic track from Gears, and another incredible production from … wait, you guessed it, the Mizell Brothers. It was a difficult task in naming what I felt was the best track off this recording, however the funky two-step gem “Tell Me What To Do,” barely nudges out the remaining great tracks on this album.

 

8. James Mason

Sweet Power, Your Embrace

(1977/Chiaroscuro Records)

An absolute masterpiece, “Sweet Power, Your Embrace” is included on keyboardist James Mason’s impossible-to-find 1977 recording Rhythm Of Life, which has reached “holy grail” status among collectors. A top choice from the people who weighed in on this list once I announced I was in the process of putting it together. It’s safe to say this was an easy top 10 selection.

 

7. Herbie Hancock

Chameleon

(1973/Columbia)

Outside of “Rockit” and “Cantaloupe Island,” the classic 1973 Head Hunters’ track “Chameleon” might be Herbie Hancock’s most popular composition. After Herbie broke-up the legendary Afro-futuristic ensemble Mwandishi, he turned his sights on creating extended electric-funk music leading to the creation of the Head Hunters. The group’s first album, titled Head Hunters in 1973, featured four incredible tracks including “Chameleon,” an electric version of “Watermelon Man,” “Sly,” and “Vein Melter.” Easily one of the greatest jazz-funk/fusion records ever recorded, and probably the most iconic.

 

6. Placebo

Humpty Dumpty

(1971/CBS)

Sampled more recently on J Dilla’s 2006 “Love Jones” track off The Shining, “Humpty Dumpty” was written and arranged by legendary Belgian pianist Marc Moulin. The funky rhodes-driven gem was featured on the debut album Ball of Eyes from the Moulin-led group Placebo. An original copy of Ball of Eyes is one of the hardest-to-find jazz-funk records with a usual starting price of around  $600.

 

5. Phil Ranelin

Vibes From The Tribe

(1976/Tribe)

Arguably the greatest track to come out of Detroit’s Tribe collective, “Vibes From The Tribe” was the title track of Ranelin’s 1976 funky deep jazz masterpiece. As noted above, this is one of the most sough-after and rare jazz albums out there. Absolute classic!

 

4. Donald Byrd

(Fallin’ Like) Dominoes

(1975/Blue Note Records)

Featured on one of Donald Byrd’s greatest albums Places And Spaces from 1975, which topped the Billboard Jazz Charts at number 1 and broke the top 50 of Billboard‘s top 200 when it was released. This recording was another incredible collaborative effort from Byrd and the Mizell Brothers, however “(Fallin’ Like) Dominoes” was one of two tracks that wasn’t written by either Larry or Fonce Mizell.

 

3. Gary Bartz NTU Troop

Celestial Blues

(1971/Milestone Records)

Another brilliant track from the first Harlem Bush Music album by Bartz and his NTU Troop group, “Celestial Blues” has rightfully become a jazz dance classic. The funky track features some spiritually-influenced vocals from jazz great Andy Bey. Bartz notably dedicated this track and rest of the album to the memories of Malcolm X and John Coltrane.

 

2. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson

The Bottle

(1974/Strata-East)

Probably my favorite song of all-time (even though it slightly falls short of the #1 spot on this list), Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson’s 1974 “The Bottle” is one of the funkiest tracks you’ll ever hear. The song, according to Heron, was about the alcohol abuse that he often witnessed plaguing his community in Washington DC. Featured on the 1974 album Winter in America, the single peaked at number 15 on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart. Due to the overall success of “The Bottle,” Charles Tolliver, who owned and ran the Strata-East record label, was able to use the album as a “bargaining chip” to get other Strata-East titles into record shops. Even though this was the only recording Scott and Jackson put out on Strata-East, it remains one of the duo’s greatest albums and the first that Jackson received a title credit.

 

1. Lonnie Liston Smith

Expansions

(1975/Flying Dutchman)

Here we are … the greatest jazz-funk track ever recorded (let the debate begin)!

The cosmic jazz dance classic “Expansions” was a massive crossover hit during the mid-seventies, not only being praised by the underground jazz scene, but a heavily played selection among Manhattan’s most notable disco deejays including The Loft’s David Mancuso and The Gallery’s Nicky Siano. Featured as the title track to Smith’s 1975 Flying Dutchman release, the jazz-funk masterpiece features Smith on electric piano, Cecil McBee on bass, Art Gore on drums, and numerous percussionists on congas and bongos. Lonnie’s younger brother Donald Smith contributes the track’s soulful lead vocals, as well as a hypnotic flute solo. Overall, a brilliant track and one of the most notable crossover jazz-influenced recordings of our time.

BEATCAFFIENE’S 100 BEST JAZZ-FUNK SONGS PLAYLIST

(Please Note: Not All Songs Included)