Fusion

Soweto Kinch is a jazz composer and arranger, alto saxophonist, and rapper. He was born in London in 1978, but brought up in Birmingham, where he is still based. On graduating with a degree in Modern History from Oxford University, he joined Tomorrow's Warriors; and in 2001 made his recording debut (on the Jazz Jamaica album Massive), and formed his own trio. His two albums to date, Conversations With The Unseen (2003) and A Life In The Day Of B19: Tales Of The Tower Block (2006) combine bebop-style jazz with elements of hip-hop, soundscapes and spoken dialogue.

Billy Cobham, born May 16, 1944 in Panama, is one of the world's most influential drummers, best known for his jazz fusion in the 1970s, with John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, where he pioneered a powerful style of drumming with jazz, rock and funk influences. He is the first drummer to unseat Buddy Rich in the Down Beat music polls. Cobham has played and recorded with hundreds of top musicians, including Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Larry Coryell, and Horace Silver; and is famous for his explosive, fast, spectacular playing.

Chick Corea is best known for his work during the 1970s in the genre of jazz fusion, although his contributions to straight-ahead jazz have been tremendous. He participated in the birth of the electric fusion movement as a member of Miles Davis's band in the 1960s, and in the 1970s formed Return to Forever. In the 80s he formed the Chick Corea Elektric Band, utilising new technologies, whilst still exploring the fusion arena. This band gave new exposure to John Patitucci (Bass), Dave Weckl (Drums), Frank Gambale (Guitar).