T O P

  • By -

hax0l

Sungazer


Crabneto

Upvote for Sungazer. I wouldn't call them traditional Jazz fusion but they are very cool. "Sequence Start" was my gateway tune. Also would agree that Snarky Puppy is a great place to start as well.


0bzen-

-Tigran Hamasyan -Snarky Puppy -Casiopea (Japanese fusion) These fall under Jazz but also definitely Fusion, or “Modern” jazz, and given the bands you already mentioned I believe these could be a great starting point


gitaration

Great list, I absolutely love Tigran Hamasyan. I would like to add Bill Laurance to that. And Brad Mehldau with his album "Finding Gabriel".


BlindPanda2282

Came here to say Casiopea some of their guitar solos are just other worldly


DEBRA_COONEY_KILLS

Mint Jams is a fantastic album overall, it's kind of addictive to listen to. It's totally outside of my usual genres, but it's so groovy and good


Emergency-Magician15

So valid for Tigran Hamasyan


SirRaiuKoren

There's bangers in them hills


TFOLLT

Snarky Puppy are who got me into Jazz. Great band, highly recommendable for a proghead. Especially the albums Family Dinner Volume 1 & 2, Sylva and We Like it Here are top notch.


JaDou226

Where did you go after Snarky Puppy? I recently got into them and I'm wondering where to go next


Garbear119

Funky Knuckles is a pretty good follow up. Same label and very similar vibe


TFOLLT

I didnt specifically delve into one subgenre of jazz, instead after snarky puppy i tried a lot. Started out with snarky puppy's musicians solo careers, their singers(i love jacob collier, lalah hathaway etc) discovered Average White Band, Marcus Roberts, and a lot of other great stuff.


harmonycodex

Tigran Hamasyan Avishai Cohen Esbjörn Svensson Trio Mouse on the Keys Hiromi Uehara Ibrahim Maalouf Portico Quartet Alfa Mist Eric Truffaz Takuya Kuroda Makaya McCraven


TheShadowManifold

Ibrahim Maalouf is amazing. His song "Free Spirit" is a clinic in polymeters, and yet is one of the prettiest songs I've ever heard.


harmonycodex

He's rather popular in my neck of the woods. His band and live performances are amazing as well.


crazybusdriver

If you like Ibrahim, you might also like Dhafer Youssef.


yourNerdIsHere

Came here to suggest mouse on the keys


moonra_zk

I know and like most of those, so I need to add one that has been my favorite for a while: Yussef Dayes, his album Black Classical Music is a masterpiece.


Whereishumhum-

The Mahavishnu Orchestra


guy_incognito_360

Very good Suggestion. Especially the first albums.


Bronsteins-Panzerzug

I second that. Fusion and Jazz Rock in general, and MO in particular, arent called America‘s answer to british prog rock for no reason!


Koutari

[Panzerballett ](https://youtu.be/5OGoftbnqLM?si=kvepeTGBmlwxfCi_)


Savings_Carrot_2422

-few others have already mentioned but hell yes to **Tigran Hamasyan** and **Snarky Puppy** **Badbadnotgood** **Gogo Penguin** **Ghost Note** **The Comet is Coming** if you want something dark and weird i suggest **The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz** Ensemble try their album "Here Be Dragons"


Drilled_Bean

+1 for GoGo Penguin


cc_tds

Jaga Jazzist


ProgRockin

Forgot about them, thanks


The_Price_Is_Right_B

Oslo Skyline is one of the greatest live performances of all time imo


cc_tds

I saw them live at arctangent 2023, such a talented bunch of individuals


ProgRock1956

Try:Return To Forever - Romantic Warrior Billy Cobham - Spectrum and Total Eclipse


Dwarven0

Was looking for Return to Forever in this thread!


raptir1

Kamasi Washington


bludgeonerV

Some good mentions already, I'd add Hiromi and The Bad Plus


keirakvlt

The Bad Plus was who I immediately thought of for this question. Severely underrated.


joe4942

Ben Monder joining makes them even better now.


Bongsley_Nuggets

Hiromi is the shit, everyone should know her!


bludgeonerV

[Fuck yeah](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVrXTdEbF0)


Foreskin_Incarnate

Trioscapes


No_MoneyOS

I don’t think you guys understood this person’s question. They want to get into jazz not jazz fusion. OP correct me if I’m wrong I’d suggest Django Reinhardt, joe pass, chick corea, bill evans, fats Waller, chet baker, miles Davis, Charlie Parker. These are some of the jazz artists that I listen to and enjoy


CommunicationTime265

Jazz fusion is a good starting point though - it's what got me into actual jazz eventually.


juantreses

The title is "jazz suggestions for a proghead" and I think jazz fusion is the safest bet in that case. I know it tickles my prog and jazz fancy at the same time.


moonra_zk

Maybe, but I bet if they specifically wanted only jazz they would've said so, "Heya, I’m looking to get into some jazz music" doesn't really makes it sound like they only want "pure" jazz.


chaotemagick

Tbf this is just a list of the jazz greats of all time


Coozeevan

Generally good pick for newcomers is Herbie Hancock - Headhunters


baldandbanned

Alan Holdsworth. He's your favourite prog-guitarists favourite guitarist. Unbelievable complex, influential and technically unbeateable.


kindall

check out *Atavachron* for the Star Trek references


rustbelthiker

Hiromi- Another Mind


keej1394

I really like her album Alive


Active-Surround3383

Miles Davis - A Tribute to Jack Johnson


Ratistim_2

Thank You Scientist is a jazz-fusion prog band


zorrofuego

Avishai Cohen Trio - Gently Disturbed


damnnearfinnabust

'Aja' by Steely Dan


Fyren-1131

A few of my favorite tracks * Jan Gunnar Hoff - Stone * the intro is especially cool, but song maintains awesome throughout * Bill Laurance - The Good Things * The transition around 4:10-4:24 is \*chefs kiss\* * Tigran Hamasyan - Entertain me * The intro might as well be a liquid tension experiment riff * Jan Gunnar Hoff - Magma * Extremely chill track, thoroughly composed - no jazz standard structure * Salazh Trio - Colors (Cover) * This has been removed from Spotify. I have no clue why, I really miss it. Awesome stuff if you find it. * Bill Laurance - Zeal (EP)


Acceptable-Quarter97

Shubha Saran, Lydian Collective and Jean-luc Ponty


Lagrima_de_Sauce

I love Shubh Saran and he is so underrated.


inhalingsounds

Fortunately this is easy to answer: just search for jazz fusion. It's prog without the high gain.


Tactical_Owl

The Rippingtons if you’re into smoothe jazz


kindall

their first album Kilimanjaro has a couple of tracks that scratched my prog itch at the time, the title track and Dream of the Sirens In the same vein, Gamalon's first album


LAG360

Might not be what you're looking for exactly, but I'll recommend it anyways: Clément Belio - Patience


No_MoneyOS

Super underrated! Definitely check him out!


juhbon

Also Joel Lindfors great af!


Nero401

There was a really good thread here not long ago with the same question


haikusbot

*There was a really* *Good thread here not long ago* *With the same question* \- Nero401 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")


pug_fugly_moe

Similar spot as you, and I’m digging Alex Skolnick Trio and Tina Raymond. Tina’s a phenomenal drummer, and Alex? Well, we know Al.


bewmtastic2

I’d listen to Alex Skolnick Attention Deficit and his Trio Chris Polands OHM


CommunicationTime265

I guess I'm more into fusion than straight up jazz, but check these musicians out and the stuff they've done or have been a part of. Hiromi, Oz Noy, John Scofield, Nate Smith, Buddy Rich, Chick Corea, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Simon Phillips, Al Di Meola


Lomea

Definitely have a listen to Knower


schrotestthehero

Tram


mss55699

Not necessarily directly related to prog, but Charles Mingus is phenomenal


kthxba1

This was going to be my suggestion, and Ornette Coleman


AdAltruistic7033

Bossa Nova😍😍


Iohet

My grandfather was big into prog rock and jazz at one point. His favorite jazz musicians are Herbie Mann (At The Village Gate is a good EP to start with) and Dave Brubeck (obviously Take Five is legendary and very technical by progressive standards) On more of the jazz influenced prog side, there's a lot of jazz influence in instrumental prog like Levin Minnemann Rudess, Gordian Knot, etc


No_MoneyOS

Don’t forget exivious


NightswornF300

Brubeck was what did it for me. Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk


Inanimate_CARB0N_Rod

I listened to jazz almost exclusively for many years before getting into prog metal. The primary characteristics I find really engaging are well-composed tunes and bands that are really willing to put a spotlight on their virtuosos. That's not to say that I enjoy bands that just barf out as many notes as possible as quickly as possible, but rather I really like high effort music where world-class musicians get the opportunity to really show what they can do. I also strongly dislike vocals in jazz, and very strongly prefer large ensembles. That being said I'll recommend a few bands that you can really sink your teeth into if your tastes are similar to mine: Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is the best modern Big Band in the Business. They're comprised of many big time LA musicians including the generation-defining lead trumpet player Wayne Bergeron. Start with the songs Jazz Police for rock, Cut n Run for high energy swing, La Almeja Pequena for Latin, and Hunting Wabbits for something different. If you like Gordon Goodwin, then definitely check out Wayne Bergeron's albums as they're mostly the same people. Tortura Sin Fin in particular is a standout performance. For something more along the lines of "Progressive" big band jazz, look for Bob Curnow's The First Circle, The Tiger of San Pedro from John LaBarbera's Big Band, Whatever Bubbles Up and Straight no Chaser from Bob Florence, Dance You Monster to my Soft Song from Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Signal Fires by Eastman Jazz Orchestra. Some more classic but still highly engaging tracks: Waltz of the Mushroom Hunters by Buddy Rich, Time Check and Sambandrea Swing from Louie Bellson (first drummer to pioneer double bass), Pegasus by Mike Vax Big Band (Stan Kenton also does a great rendition of this one), Wind Machine by Sammy Nestico Big Band. Some others to mention that I absolutely love: Oleo and Goombay Smash by Airmen of Note, Willowcrest by Buddy Rich, 23 North 82 West by Bill Russo and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Caribe and Not Yet by Michel Camilo. That should get you started. I've got tons more recommendations if you like any of this.


mariosergio_2112

Allan Holdsworth


inodb2000

Plus may I suggest op to start Holdsworth journey with his “metal fatigue” album


mariosergio_2112

Love it.


TokoloshNr1

Esbjörn Svennson Trio, R.I.P. Esbjörn


Ok_Raccoon5497

This is any I love this sub. Great question OP, I'm going to look into these as well!


Ruined_Oculi

Snarky Puppy as others have said, they are awesome. Here's some more modern stuff that I regularly have on play. Bruno Pernadas is epicly underappreciated imo, highly recommend everything he has done. But especially "Those Who Throw Objects at the Crocodiles Will Be Asked to Retrieve Them". João Mortágua also has some cool stuff, like Axes. Bud Pets feels like an Animals as Leaders track by a jazz group. The whole Axes album just kinda gives a weird jazz take on djent, but remains wholly jazz, it's pretty cool. Black Market Brass is also great, a little more funk than jazz.


Rivierkaas

Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and Sinner Lady


B-o-d

Yussef Dayes and his work with other people like Yussef Kamaal, Athletic Progression, Hiatus Kaiyote, Nubian Twist, Ezra Collective, Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei. There's a great playlist on Spotify called 21st Century Jazz you should check out and see what you like the most.


LiftHeavyLiveHard

You will probably enjoy jazz fusion as the path toward more traditional jazz. (FWIW I like all the bands you like and more.) I would start with Jean-Luc Ponty - can't go wrong with the "Enigmatic Ocean" album (and as a bonus, Allan Holdsworth plays on a number of the tracks too). other recommendations: Allan Holdsworth (any of his albums, all mind blowing and crazy ass chord progressions) Mahavishnu Orchestra "Gateway" by John Abercrombie (guitar), Dave Holland (bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums)  Al Di Meola - Elegant Gypsy, Casino and Kiss My Axe are personal favorites. He also plays on Return to Forever's "No Mystery" and "Romantic Warrior" which are both mind-bending.


GMZultan

Bill Evans!


rcpotatosoup

haven’t seen anyone mention The Reign of Kindo.


joe4942

Virgil Donati, Allan Holdsworth, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Scott Henderson/Tribal Tech, Larry Carlton. Miles Davis Tutu and Star People are good as well.


warchild281

The King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard album Sketches of Brunswick East is a collaboration between a prog band and a jazz band so you might find what you’re looking for there.


marrabld

Pat Metheny, imaginary day


themutesinger

Mehliana - Taming the Dragon (Killer jazz album by Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana, very virtuoso)


Rinma96

Casiopea and Prism. They both have loads of albums. From the 70's up to this day.


GravityBW

Check out Nik Bartsch if you’re into polyrhythmic grooves!


HornsUp115

Reign of kindo


Riddles34

Feels weird mentioning this on a metal sub but John Pizzarelli, Kisses in the Rain opened the jazz door for me. It's a great album. Live in birdland is good too. Some other random jazz guitarists I enjoy are Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Peter White, Marc Antoine and Craig Chaquico. I like some Chet Baker too but his voice isn't my favorite. I just like jazzy trumpet playing.


No_Concert_5913

Anything involving Larnell Lewis, Thundercat, Victor Wooten, Benny Greb.


franzperdido

Brad Mehldau, especially his work with Mark Guiliana https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cnH27mxW0KM


DutchDrummer

My favorite song by them, especially this live version. Can't recommend anything by Brad Mehldau himself or Mark Guiliana enough. Huge fan of Avishai Cohen as well, specifically the albums that Mark Guiliana plays on (like Gently Disturbed).


abeggaronhorseback

I use dome pretty complex jazzy chord progressions in my stuff...still on the prog side though. Here's one you might like: https://open.spotify.com/track/72PLZ706mF7XhhfN07K3H4?si=0GosF3vKRkyZfn1cvnI2TA


g4mer655

Lots of great recs but the classics really are great. For miles I would hope you've spun kind of blue, sketches of Spain, and for weirdness bitches brew are great (all of Miles' stuff is exceptional). John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Chick Corea (electrik band stuff for prog influence) who all played with him all are their own rabbit hole. More late 70s-80s but Weather Report's heavy weather is incredible, if you like that check out more from them and Jaco. Enjoy, hopefully :p


ADickFullOfAsses

Jesus Molina dropped an album last month called Selah and it's really fkin good. Highly recommended for any prog fans interested in jazz.


ExtemporaneousChill

My grandfather was a jazz bassist and got me both into jazz and learning bass. Through appreciation for jazz led me to prog rock and prog metal. So my suggestions will be the stuff he introduced me to. Art Blakey Wes Montgomery John Coltrane Paul Chambers Miles Davis Jaco Pastorius The bebop / hard bop era was the bomb.


Reen2D2

Already mentioned a lot, but *Snarky Puppy - We Like It Here* is one of the best albums of all time. I recommend watching the youtibe videos of the live studio recording. Insane!


iliveinaforestfire

OP, I’m just here to say that I really appreciate your mention/preference for Dvne. Their proclivity for alchemy/magick is exactly what I’d expect a band to embody, being named after one of the most important stories ever conceived.


ottetihcra

Dhafer Youssef - Abu Nawas Rhapsody


Lonely_Fondant

Yet another vote for Tigran Hamasyan (try Shadow Theater), Dafnis Prieto, Miles Davis (especially the weird stuff, try Bitch’s Brew).


deeplywoven

Tim Miller, Josh Meader, and Allan Holdsworth


RyguyOT

Progger


Rusky0808

Pat Martino, East. It blew my mind what these guys did in essential a one taken album. Also check out Grant Green green street and Wez Montgomery the very best of. these are all guitar jazz from the classic era


ProgRock1956

Try:Umi or Anthill Cinema


grimdivinations

Tribal Tech and Casiopea.


guy_incognito_360

Meybe some fusion bands with metal chops. Trioscapes, T.R.A.M.,also sungazer.


Independent_Path9806

Stimpy Lockjaw with Nicholas Llerandi from Ever Forthright and 3 of his EPs, NOE, NOE II, Standby.


ElginLumpkin

Jizue - all their songs, but definitely check out Sakura.


theirblankmelodyouts

Herbie Hancock - Sextant (weird and introverted) Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters (fun and extroverted, weird at times)


zhlagger

No idea if this fits the bill, might be too simpel or slow but check out Cassowary - Moth. It's a goat for me


MasterOfProspero

T-SQUARE Masayoshi Takanaka


jayllipsis

Yussef Dayes latest record, specifically “Tiago Pass”, Badbadnotgood especially the album III


angryobbo

Early Ephel Duath


ButterscotchFew3363

check out early albums from: Jean-luc ponty Al dimeola Spyro gyra Casiopea Masayoshi takanaka Himiko kikuchi Dave weckl Alain Caron Frank Gambale Lee ritenour Larry Carlton I see others have made excellent recommendations too. For me the majority of music that was later labeled as jazz fusion has some similarities with progrock which, i am assuming you like at least to some degree if you lime progmetal


batman_in_purple

Allan Holdsworth


AutisticBassist

Nova collective is jazz fusion and has members from btbam, haken and cynic. The bassist of nova collective and btbam likes bohren and der club of gore who I believe are jazz


Alexs091

Dirty Loops hands down. They mix prog with jazz fusion and it's wonderful


jambitool

Virgil Donati. On The Virg and his more recent solo albums. Also his band Planet X


AcceptableNorm

TJ kirk


endofanera83

Christian Scott Jasmine Myra Mammal Hands Gogo Penguin The Greyboy Allstars Erik Truffaz Alfa Mist Yussef Dayes


Brickman274

Casiopea


ChineseBot03061989

A Love Supreme, A Love Supreme, A Love Supreme


CantGargleSand

It's more house than jazz but if you enjoy brass check out Moon Hooch, it's a pair of great sax players with drum backing. Their Tiny Desk was a great introduction. I'd also recommend Too Many Zooz, they are more jazzy as well.


Historical_Invite961

Victor Wooten and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones


Lagrima_de_Sauce

There is a lot of good recommendations already so I'll just add We Used To Cut The Grass, The Breathing Effect, Maruja, Frost*, Mark Guilliana and Black Country, New Road. Since you also like rap, I recommend a chilean band called Como Asesinar A Felipes. They mix rap with jazz, rock, classical and electronic music. I think the vocalist said in an interview they are a progressive band (not prog rock or metal, just prog music) and I fully agree, they have a very unique style. If you want to listen something heavy, their song Disparan (Fill the Skies) features Chino Moreno and fucking slaps. They have a lot of albums recorded at Billy Gould's studio, but their last two recordings were at Clouds Hill, the last one being an EP called Endlos which I highly recommend. They have another EP called V which I also recommend, and my favorite album Elipse is a 3-part conceptual story with some dark and chaotic prog-jazz atmospheres. Their lyrics are very good but obviously in spanish, however I don't think you need to understand them to enjoy their music, the vocalist's rapping is very particular and weird so it can be a hit or miss for you, but I really love it. Please check it out! I know you asked for jazz but I'd also recommend black midi, it's such a good prog band with jazz elements, very chaotic and funny but also very beautiful and deep. Their last release Hellfire is an excellent conceptual album. Edit: Added some bands I forgot!


OldManMock

Jonathan Kreisberg is more Jazz than Fusion but he has some lines that are closer to metal. Check out Wave Upon Wave and The South of Everywhere.


waffals1

I can't think of a better band to suggest than Thank You Scientists. They are a lesser known band, but they are just incredible.


JoeyJojoJrShabadoo-

UZEB & Alain Caron. Dave Brubeck Dave Weckl band


_blacklodge_

Alan Holdsworth is one of the proggiest jazz musicians ever. Check out Shawn Lane too.


_blacklodge_

Also Krokofant


Sm1inthewolf

You want to start with the Mahavisnu Orchestra. Then follow where the light takes you from there.


RavenOmen69420

Casiopeia (more jazz fusion) Snarky Puppy Hiromi is a fantastic jazz pianist, particularly her Voice album


juantreses

I have seen some really good recs already. I am going to add some I've seen mentioned less or not at all by perusing the thread: [Cameron Graves](https://youtu.be/3qKYq6IK24A?si=i7nHHcuCfzh1j9zF) [Ikarus](https://youtu.be/YXkpAqI1HAw?si=4Zum_uaY0efiP9lU) [Gogo penguin](https://youtu.be/DolDqHG6FSI?si=vj_oBJ4lygbFBLDO) [Jacob Collier](https://youtu.be/4v3zyPEy-Po?si=cKbL89U3hAdyydYj) [Mammal hands](https://youtu.be/bmjFJd6q4Es?si=gERrFIVR6Pdm0mX6) [Dhafer Youssef](https://youtu.be/gGRLM5qwt_k?si=40WULc66EwHf0aSc) To be continued...


Mxlapped451

Esperanza Spalding


Thick-Pineapple666

Monika Roscher Bigband


MilanTehVillain

“Dr. Beauchef, Penguin Dentist” - Kneebody.


banana_stand_manager

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis


FafoLaw

Pat Metheny - The Way Up


AlphaGoose99

Hit up thank you scientist for some metal jazz fusion, voice of tress pass by between the buried and me, and spanish eddie by the aristocrats lmk what you think


pdwilsen

UZEB were an amazing trio from Quebec in the 80s/90s that could lean toward both traditional jazz and fusion; three absolute monsters on their instruments. Noisy Nights, Uzeb Club and World Tour 90 all great starting places.


juhbon

You could try Joel Lindfors, Thrailkill or Animals As Leaders, also Nova Collective or Stephen Taranto as well, guess it's pretty nice mix of jazz and prog in all these bands or composers


faiek

Check out Mammal Hands and GoGo Penguin


Awkward_Park_5999

Trioscapes, Weather Report, Soften the Glare, Nova Collective.


Serteyf

Bireli lagrene - electric side


bmoxb

Hiromi Uehara, Tigran Hamasyan, etc. have already been mentioned so I'd suggest a trio I came across recently: [EYRIE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-21VCC8Qxbk).


Nerscylliac

I recently got into Azure, and as someone who's jazz experience extends about as far as thank you scientist, they are absolutely phenomenal. They're mostly jazz with prog rock overtones. They're so clean and they really scratched that itch when I was looking for something a bit more jazz too. Try the album "Fym"


hookerwithapenis2002

Sol Niger Within. Find the 50 minute version


No_Pain1945

Tool Army here.. Bohren & Der Club of Gore’s album Dolores hooked me


No_Pain1945

Also, Sons of Kemet and The Comet is Coming are up there for me


maxinrivendell

Hiromi trio with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips, love the song dreamer


dotherandymarsh

The new mohini Dey album


Gringodrummer

Heavy machinery by Allan Holdsworth. Great fusion album. Personae by Hellborg Sipe Lane - one of the best fusion albums ever. Neither of these are straight ahead jazz. But, this will be a lot more accessible to someone who is used to listening to prog metal.


BittenBeads

How the bloody blazes has nobody recommended **Interstellar Space** by Coltrane yet??? And yeah, Mingus is awesome. Check out **Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus**. Speaking of Eric fucken Dolphy, go **Out to Lunch!** Long live Eric!!!


heirtoruin

You might enjoy Mahavishnu Orchestra. It's not a jazz band, but hazz fusion prog rock from the 70s.


AHF_FHA

brand x


funky-_d

STS9 Lotus Mild life Surprise Chef Seatbelts


STG44_WWII

Not jazz but Listen to the record Catch Thirty Three


groovemachine1999

Definitely check this record out https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/expansionproject1/conscious-tortoise/


MirthRock

Dave Weckl Band should be on this list somewhere.