One of the key 1975 fusion albums is by the drummer Lenny White.

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From Bitches Brew to Azteca: The Early Years of Lenny White

Lenny White starts his musical journey by performing alongside Miles Davis during the early period of jazz-rock fusion by playing to the Bitches Brew album back in August '69. 

He continues to perform with stars like Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson; he shifts to Latin jazz-rock, playing with Azteca on a few notable albums before eventually joining the Return to Forever.

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Return to Forever: Redefining Funk with Chick Corea

In 1975, he is a permanent member of Return to Forever (in fact throughout the 1970s and in all future reunions.)

Return to Forever, led by Chick Corea, documents jazz-rock-funk fusion throughout the 1970s. The group is credited with creating a sound of its own. Lenny White, alongside Al Di Meola on guitar, Stanley Clarke on bass, and Chick Corea, form the core of the group.​​

In the beginning of 1975, Return to Forever releases No Mystery, not their best album according to many critics, but a key album with a solid funk foundation and jazz improvisation - also a Grammy Award-winning record. 🥁

Lenny White has an energetic drumming style on the album, with variation and nuance, and he is said to play a key role in connecting the band's earlier funk sound with their newer, more complex jazz fusion style - by incorporating aspects of both genres.​

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While Return to Forever is a solidified band with a distinct sound, it appears like the members are creating their own social circles and performing independently as well. 

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1975 Collaborations: Stanley Clarke and Journey to Love

Same year, in 75, Stanley Clarke releases a solo album, Journey to Love, a collaborative project featuring impressive guest appearances, including Chick Corea on piano and John McLaughlin on guitar. We can hear Lenny White's signature drumming in one critical song, 'Hello Jeff' 🥁 P.S. Jeff being the Jeff Beck!

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Venusian Summer: Solo Debut

Finally, summer 75, Lenny White releases solo debut album, Venusian Summer, featuring a high-caliber guest list from Return to Forever: Larry Coryell and Al Di Meola! 🥁

With tunes like 'Mating Drive' and 'Prince of the Sea' fusing some jazz fusion elements—especially with the usage of synthesizers and other electronic instruments—Venusian Summer tries new approaches, but the album is still anchored in funk, led by White's strong drumming. ​​​​

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Some find Venusian Summer to sound outdated, and the album definitely has a "vintage sound" 🎙️ as it heavily incorporates synthesizers and other electronic instruments that were common in the 70s. However, I would say it adds to the album's charm.

In terms of personal preference, 'Chicken-Fried Steak' would be my favourite. This track features a driving drumbeat by Lenny White himself, along with tight horn sections and funky bass lines. It's a high-energy song featuring that 70s sound. 🎶 

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Gülben - 05/2024

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📖 Return To Forever @ JazzMusicArchives

📖 Lenny White @ AllAboutJazz

📖 Lenny White @ Soul&Jazz&Funk​​

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