IMO Fusion suffers much like 'standard' Jazz does in that too many listeners focus on the past (this is especially true within audiophile circles!). Don't get me wrong, I own and love ton's of music from past generations but.....Here's a few records I've scored recently.
Snarky Puppy - Ground Up - I mentioned this band in another thread when I 1st heard them a month ago, I find myself returning to them often, always a good sign! This band/collective's star is on the rise. I've really become a fan of the band and their old-school style of taking care of business (Recording live, no overdubs. They tour the country in a bus! Charge $15-25 bucks per tkt, currently preparing for their 1st tour in the Orient!). If you've ever enjoyed bands like The Brecker Bros., Chicago Transit Authority, Dreams, Cold Blood, B,S,&T you might want to check these guys out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZBlRkF0-to&feature=player_detailpage&list=RD02lh0suC6pehcKarizma - Perfect Harmony - West Coast Jazz/Fusion often gets a bum rap as being too 'smooth'. This record sometimes heads in that direction, but it's always played well by pretty extraordinary musicians. For me, when I see Michael Landau, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Tavaglione, & Walt Fowler in the credits, I'm in! For a much harder rockin' Fusion effort from this band I'd unhesitatingly recommend their live record; 'Document'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8KCY8HJP9A&feature=player_detailpageDrew Zingg - This debut record from the longtime Boz Scaggs/Steely Dan guitarist is a primarily instrumental record that I don't think anyone would call Fusion but it's mighty fine. Featuring the mighty Vinnie C. (again!), Will Lee, & longtime studio ace George Whitty on kybds. I'm posting a vocal from the record though, because I think it's very possibly the greatest vocal performance from a guy I frankly stopped listening to a long time ago; Michael McDonald! Of course it features a note-perfect gtr solo from Zingg!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L0_46VVc6U&feature=player_detailpageThis last one is one that most sounds like a Fusion record, but in the very best way!
Chris Taylor - Nocturnal - Taylor's a 50-something yr old studio guitar ace, been around for quite some time but this is his 1st solo record. Steve Tavaglione and George Whitty are also on this bad boy. This record's different than most in that it isn't a gtr 'shredding' type of recording. He's into electronica and his music feels more like soundscapes than captured jam sessions. The music this record brings to my mind is at times remeniscent of Zawinul/Weather Report. IMO WR's sound has influenced some of the finest records from bands like Steps Ahead and Tribal Tech (an outstanding example would be from TT's kybd ace Scott Kinsey - Kinesthetics!). Anyhow, the following's a lovely video but don't be fooled into thinking this tune reps the whole record, which is killa!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=aAmrztyw_pM&list=PL6B66B16ADB34E4CA
