Jazz-rock is this interesting little corner of the music world that existed in the early 70’s amidst the prog-rock explosion before sort of withering away into smooth jazz with the likes of Kenny G in the 80’s. Jazz rock took a whole bunch of brilliant musicians who grew up listening to rock n’ roll and threw them into a melting pot with classic jazz improvisational techniques and complex chord patterns to create something that was truly unique. Heavy Weather by Weather Report is an iconic album in the space, and although it was released when jazz rock was on the downswing of its commercial appeal, remains one of the more recognizable entries to the genre. “Birdland” in particular has become a jazz standard and it’s easy to see why– those horn hooks amidst all the underlying movement has a tendency to stick in your brain hours after you’ve heard it. And with an incredible low-end provided by the one and only Jaco Pastorius it’s a vibe that is impossible to shake.
Standout Songs: “Birdland”, “Palladium”, “Havona”
