#jazzfunk

Miles Davis – We Want Miles

We Want Miles is a double album recorded by jazz trumpeter Miles Davis in 1981, produced by Teo Macero and released by Columbia Records in 1982. The album combines recordings from the first live appearances by Davis in more than five years, at Boston’s Kix Club, on June 27, 1981. Other tracks were recorded at Avery Fisher Hall, New York City, on July 5, and a specially prepared stage at Nishi-Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan, October 4 of that year.

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars and stated:”Davis’s second recording since ending his six-year retirement was one of his best of the 1980s. Unlike his bands from the 1970s, this particular unit leaves plenty of space and plays much more melodically. Guitarist Mike Stern lets loose some fury, but electric bassist Marcus Miller is not reluctant to walk now and then in a straight-ahead fashion, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Mino Cinelu are tasteful, and Bill Evans gets in a few good spots on soprano. As for Davis, he was gradually regaining his earlier form. This double LP is highlighted by “Back Seat Betty,” a side-long investigation of “My Man’s Gone Now” and two versions of Davis’s childlike “Jean Pierre.””

This album won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance by a Soloist.

Rodney Franklin – Rodney Franklin (1980)

Columbia – JC 36747 (US)

Miles Davis – Amandla

Amandlais an album by  Miles Davis, released in 1989. The word Amandla holds significance in various Nguni languages, where it translates to “power.” It is the third collaboration between Miles Davis and producer/bassist Marcus Miller, following their previous works Tutu (1986) and Music from Siesta (1987), and it serves as their final album together.

The album mixes elements of the genres go-go, zouk, funk and jazz, combining electronic instruments with live musicians. The composition “Mr. Pastorius”, featuring drummer Al Foster, is a tribute to late jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius. “Catémbe” is a Mozambican and Angolan cocktail of red wine and cola.

Reception

Grover Washington Jr. – Inner City Blues

Inner City Blues is the debut studio album by saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. It was recorded at the Van Gelder Studio in September 1971 and released in 1972 via Kudu Records.

Reception. Thom Jurek of AllMusic gave the album 4 stars and stated: “This is an amazing debut in so many ways, and it was followed by a run of albums for the label through the end of the ’70s when Washington left for Elektra. Inner City Blues remains standing today as a landmark and a turning point in jazz.”

It's funky and jazzy so right onnn

“Right On” is a funk-inspired Japanese pop track featuring a male vocal, blending groovy basslines and rhythmic guitar with a nostalgic 90s J-Pop sound.

The song captures the emotional landscape of young people living in a city in the 1990s—balancing excitement, uncertainty, and fleeting moments of connection. With its urban atmosphere and retro influences, the track evokes late-night city drives and neon-lit streets.

While rooted in a classic J-Pop aesthetic, the production remains modern and polished, aiming to resonate with listeners who enjoy city pop, funk grooves, and nostalgic yet fresh sounds.

Stream it:

Herbie Hancock ‎– Magic Windows 

Magic Windows is the thirty-second album by jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, released on September 29, 1981 on Columbia.

Reception.

George Duke – Follow The Rainbow

Follow the Rainbow is the twelfth studio album by American keyboardist George Duke released in 1979 through Epic Records. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.

Reception.

Shakatak ‎– Day By Day

Day By Day is a 1985 studio album by the British jazz-funk band Shakatak, notably featuring a collaboration with American jazz singer Al Jarreau on the title track.

Album Overview

Release Year: 1985 (Original LP); Re-released in 2015.

Genre: Jazz-Funk, Smooth Jazz, and Soul.

Core Lineup: Bill Sharpe (keyboards), Jill Saward (vocals), Roger Odell (drums), and George Anderson (bass).

Key Guest: Al Jarreau, who provides vocals for the hit title track "Day By Day".

The album features a blend of smooth vocals and high-energy jazz-funk instrumentals.