Catching up on this thread, I know more of the regular style jazz as with Joe. I just added this one to my regular rotation:
I do like more vanilla jazz but it's not something I listen to regularly. I like fusion because it takes my favorite elements from jazz(elaborate solos/more complex chords and chord changes) but adds more rock, funk or whatever elements to it. And when they use some sweet synths in there.... hooo baby don't get me started!
By the way I haven't shared any T Square albums!?? They're really good too.
Herbie Hancock - Watermelon Man @9:15 that trumpet sample w/ pitch bend
edit: and how it exits into some wah-wah's and that smooth synth goddamn
Yeah man Herbie Hancock is a genius and god level player/composer! If you haven't, I'd suggest checking out Head Hunters:
He also had a fusion group that did a couple albums called the Head Hunters(I think with most of the same people from this album?)