Fusion is a shortening of
jazz-rock fusion, a branch of
jazz music. Until 1969, jazz was associated only with
swing (and
latin), and not with the
straight rhytms, and
electronic instruments of
rock. In 1969,
Miles Davis recorded
Bitches Brew, the first fusion album, which incorporated straight rhythms,
electric bass (until then only the
upright bass was associated with jazz) and other 'rocky' elements. For example, in
traditional jazz, the bass would almost invariably play a
walking bass line, but in fusion, the bass would play more on the lines of
riffs, on which
improvisations could take place.
Noteworthy fusion performers:
Cream of fusion albums:
There are lots of other good (and even great) fusion artists and albums. This is my pick, based on
historical context,
album sales and
personal taste. If I inadvertently forgot something major,
/tell me, it will be updated.