The Best Jazz Albums of the 1970s
Our pick of the essential jazz records released in the 1970s, ranked.
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1Head HuntersHerbie Hancock
Head Hunters
The album that fused jazz with funk and sold in huge numbers, anchored by the slinky 'Chameleon'. Groove-led and irresistible. A fusion landmark.
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2Bitches BrewMiles Davis
Bitches Brew
The album that birthed jazz-fusion, a dense, electric, studio-assembled brew of rock rhythm and free improvisation. Divisive on release and now revered. Demanding, hypnotic and unlike anything before it.
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3Journey in SatchidanandaAlice Coltrane
Journey in Satchidananda
A serene, modal spiritual-jazz masterpiece of harp, sax and drone. Meditative and beautiful. A singular, beloved record.
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4Heavy WeatherWeather Report
Heavy Weather
The most accessible jazz-fusion record, home to the ubiquitous 'Birdland' and Jaco's bass. Polished and joyful. A fusion landmark.
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5The Inner Mounting FlameMahavishnu Orchestra
The Inner Mounting Flame
A ferocious jazz-fusion landmark of virtuosic intensity. Explosive and influential. A genre cornerstone.
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6The Koln ConcertKeith Jarrett
The Koln Concert
A wholly improvised solo piano concert that became the best-selling of its kind. Flowing, melodic and transcendent. A singular live document.
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7On the CornerMiles Davis
On the Corner
A dense, funk-and-electronics landmark divisive on release and later revered. Bold and influential. A cult masterpiece.
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8Red ClayFreddie Hubbard
Red Clay
A vibrant fusion-leaning post-bop peak of fiery trumpet and groove. Energetic and acclaimed. His finest hour.
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9Space Is the PlaceSun Ra
Space Is the Place
A cosmic, big-band Afrofuturist landmark of free jazz and ritual. Wild and visionary. A singular record.
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10Ptah, the El DaoudAlice Coltrane
Ptah, the El Daoud
A serene, modal spiritual-jazz peak. Meditative and beloved. A high point.
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11ThrustHerbie Hancock
Thrust
A funky, polished jazz-fusion peak. Groovy and beloved. A high point.
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12Return to ForeverChick Corea
Return to Forever
A bright, Latin-tinged fusion landmark of airy grooves. Warm and influential. A genre favourite.
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13Light as a FeatherChick Corea
Light as a Feather
A bright, Latin-tinged fusion peak, home to 'Spain'. Warm and beloved. A genre favourite.
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14Birds of FireMahavishnu Orchestra
Birds of Fire
A blazing fusion peak of complex, electric intensity. Virtuosic and acclaimed. A genre high point.